Research in Nursing & Health, 2007, 30, 185–192 Self-Efficacy for Health-Related Behaviors Among Deaf Adults Elaine G. Jones, 1{ Ralph Renger, 2{ Youngmi Kang 1 z 1 University of Arizona, College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ 2 University of Arizona, College of Public Health, Tucson, AZ Accepted 14 November 2006 Abstract: The purpose of this quasi-experimental, pre-post-test study was to test the effectiveness of the Deaf Heart Health Intervention (DHHI) in increasing self-efficacy for health-related behaviors among culturally deaf adults. The DHHI targets modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A sample of 84 participants completed time-1 and time-2 data collection. The sign language version of the Self-Rated Abilities Scale for Health Practices (SRAHP) was used to measure self-efficacy for nutrition, psychological well- being/stress management, physical activity/exercise, and responsible health practices. Total self-efficacy scores were significantly higher in the interven- tion group than in the comparison group at time-2, controlling for scores at baseline (F [1, 81] ¼ 26.02, p < .001). Results support the development of interventions specifically tailored for culturally deaf adults to increase their self-efficacy for health behaviors. ß 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30:185–192, 2007 Keywords: deaf; health; self-efficacy The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Deaf Heart Health Interven- tion (DHHI) in increasing self-efficacy for health behaviors related to risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among culturally deaf adults. There are an estimated two million adults who are members of a deaf cultural community. Culturally deaf adults typically experience significant hearing loss at an early age, communicate primarily through sign language in adulthood, and participate in deaf community activities (Dolnick, 1993; Stebnicki & Coeling, 1999). American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language for culturally deaf communities who are often considered a linguistic minority. Adults with hearing loss beginning in adulthood (‘‘late-deafened’’ or hard-of-hearing) face communication issues different from culturally deaf adults. Late-deafened and hard- of-hearing adults typically continue to rely on spoken language. They are usually literate in their first language and rarely learn sign language. CVD remains a leading cause of premature death and disability in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2005a). There are no data specifically about health status or CVD, in particular, among culturally deaf adults. People with hearing loss are included together, with no distinction between culturally deaf, late-deafened, or hard-of-hearing people, in health statistics of people with physical disabilities. In general, people with disabilities are at greater risk for CVD than people without Contract grant sponsor: National Institute of Nursing Research; Contract grant number: 1 R15 NR 008009-01A1. Correspondence to Elaine G. Jones, 1305 N. Martin, Room 411, University of Arizona, College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ 85721-0203. { Associate Professor. z Doctoral Candidate. Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/nur.20196 ß 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.