Medical self-care education for elders: a controlled trial to evaluate impact

Am J Public Health. 1984 Dec;74(12):1357-62. doi: 10.2105/ajph.74.12.1357.

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged*
  • Data Collection
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Health Education*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • New Hampshire
  • Personal Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Care*
  • Socioeconomic Factors