Reaching and Supporting At-Risk Community Based Seniors: Results of a Multi-church Partnership

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a nurse-led, church-based educational support group for “at-risk,” older African Americans on hospitalization and emergency department use. Study nurses enrolled 81 “at-risk” older adult members of ten churches. Participants completed a trifold pamphlet identifying personal health information and support, and they attended eight monthly education al/support group sessions in their church during the 10-month intervention. Study nurses completed a risk assessment interview with each senior both pre- and post-participation. The study nurse completed post-program assessments with 64 seniors, a 79% retention rate. At the program’s conclusion re searchers conducted a focus group with the study RNs and used an anonymous written survey to gather participant appraisals of program elements. Neither hospitalization nor emergency department/urgent care usage was significantly different from pre- to post-program. Session attendance was moderate to high and over half of the seniors brought a family member or friend to one or more sessions. The majority of seniors initiated positive health changes (e.g., smoking cessation, weight loss, or diet changes). Participants expressed high satisfaction and expressed satisfaction to perceive that they w ere supporting other seniors in their community. We conclude that this intervention was successful in engaging and motivating seniors to initiate health behavior change and con...
Source: Journal of Community Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research