Nelson EC, McHugo G, Schnurr P, Devito C, Roberts E, Simmons J, Zubkoff W. Medical self-care education for elders: a controlled trial to evaluate impact.
Am J Public Health 1984;
74:1357-62. [PMID:
6507688 PMCID:
PMC1652703 DOI:
10.2105/ajph.74.12.1357]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a trial to evaluate the impact of medical self-care education on 330 elders whose average age was 71. The test group participated in a 13-session educational intervention with training in clinical medicine, life-style, and use of health services. The comparison group received a two-hour lecture-demonstration. Both groups were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one year after entry. The results indicate medical self-care instruction: produces substantial improvements, that were sustained for one year, in health knowledge, skills performance, and skills confidence; stimulates many attempts to improve life-style; and generates improvements in life quality. The program had little influence on utilization of medical care or health status.
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