Past and future priorities in health promotion in the United States: a survey of experts.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine past and future priorities of the health promotion industry. Parameters included target markets, program staff, ethical issues, corporate programs, and program sites.

METHODS

This study focused on the predictive perceptions of 76 prominent health and fitness professionals. Participants completed an inventory designed to compare past and future practices in health promotion. The Wilcoxon rank-sign test was used to determine changes in perceived importance from past to future periods.

RESULTS

The most important markets in the future were women and the elderly. Predictions regarding staffing included an expected increase in staff size in many program settings, a high importance rating for marketers and health educators, and standardized training and certification for health promotion personnel. Many employers in the future were predicted to link medical care costs and reimbursements with lifestyle behaviors, support confidentiality of health status information, and offer voluntary participation in health promotion programs to all employees. Employers were also predicted to provide more healthful work environments.

DISCUSSION: Future success of these projected programs will depend upon administrative flexibility, creativity, and strategic planning.