Falls are a major public health problem among older adults and the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of educational health program on prevention of falling among older adults. Research design: A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at Geriatric Homes, Benha Geriatic Home in Benha City and Abo Negada Geriatic Home in Ismalia City.The sample:A purposive sample was used in this study, the total number of older adults in the above mentioned setting were 40 older adults; 24 from Benha City and 16 from Ismalia City. Tools: Three tools were utilized in this study comprised 1- A structured interviewing questionnaire for; the socio-demographic characteristics, the past medical history, falls risk factors assessment of older adults, and for the assessment of knowledge of the older adults, 2- The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FESI) to assess older adults fear of falling 3- An observation checklist was used to A) assess practices of the older adults physical activities B) Assess geriatric safety homes environments. Results of this study showed; 32.5% of the older adults aged from 65 to less than 70 years old. 55 % of them were female, 45% had secondary education, and 82.5% of them were widow. As regard total knowledge of older adults regarding falls; before the program; 40 % of them had good total knowledge scores, while after the program increased to 70 % of them. Concerning to total falls efficacy scale-international; 55% of older adults were very concerned. This study concluded that: Educational health program has showed a highly statistically significant effect on knowledge and practices of the older adults post program and improving their knowledge and practices regarding falling prevention. The study recommended that: Well-designed educational health program are needed in Geriatric Homes to prevent falling include intrinsic & extrinsic risk factors and further research is needed for the prevention of falls in older adults. |
