Publication: Effectiveness of educational intervention in improving the awareness of falls among the geriatric patients
Date
2022-10
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Publisher
International Medical University
Abstract
Background:
Falls have a detrimental influence on the quality of life of the elderly, as
well as increase the health care cost in managing fall-related injuries. Fall incidences are expected to rise tremendously in the future as the world's elderly population expands, particularly in Southeast Asia. Since medications are one of the main factors that increase the risk of falling, much research has been conducted recently to examine the link between medications and falls. The frequency of falls among the elderly can be decreased by implementing intervention measures into practise.
Objectives: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of falls among the geriatric population in a primary care clinic setting, review the fall risk- increasing drugs (FRIDs), provide educational intervention to improve the awareness of falls and FRIDs, and lastly to analyse the effectiveness of the educational intervention.
Methods: This interventional study was carried out in a primary care setting using a validated structured questionnaire to assess the KAP of falls. Elderly patients who were 65 years and above, seeking medical treatment in the primary care setting, and able to read, understand, and respond to the study questionnaire and educational interventional
materials were included in the study.
Results: In a total of 310 respondents, 74% of them obtained primary-level education, and 46% of them were living alone or with their partner/caregiver. The percentage of elderly patients who experienced falls in the past 12 months was 20%. Significant improvement
(p<0.05) was observed in the respondents’ KAP in post-intervention. The findings revealed that the educational intervention provided is suitable to all respondents regardless of education level and prior knowledge of falls and fractures.
Conclusion: The educational intervention provided to the elderly population has improved the respondents’ KAP to a certain extend. Future health policy must be crafted to address preventive measures to meet the requirements of the ageing population.
Keywords: FRIDS, geriatrics, falls, educational intervention, knowledge, attitude,
perspective.
Description
Keywords
Geriatrics, Accidental Falls, Knowledge, Attitude, Quality of Life, Health Care Costs