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Evaluation of an osteoporosis and fall risk intervention program for community-dwelling elderly. A quasi-experimental study of behavioral modifications

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Abstract

Background and aims: Osteoporosis and fall fractures are increasing problems amongst the elderly. The aim of this study was to explore whether combined population-based and individual interventions directed at risk factors for osteoporosis and falls result in behavioral changes in an elderly population. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used for the study. Persons aged ≥65 years were randomly selected in the intervention and control community. An intervention program was managed from the primary health care center and delivered to the community. Health education was designed to increase awareness of risk factors for the development of osteoporosis and falling. Questionnaires about lifestyle, health, previous fractures, safety behavior and physical activity level were distributed at baseline in 1989 and at the follow-ups in 1992 and 1994 in both communities. Results: There was a difference of 17.7% between the dual intervention (receiving both population-based and individual interventions) and the control samples regarding the self-reported use of shoe/cane spikes, and a difference of 20.5% regarding the reported “moderate level” of physical activity in 1994. There was an increase in the number of participants in the dual intervention sample who, at baseline, had not reported equipping their homes with non-slip mats and removing loose rugs but who did report these changes in 1994. The increase in the reported use of shoe/cane spikes in the dual intervention sample was observed mainly for the period 1992–1994. Conclusions: A public health intervention model, including both population-based and individual inter- ventions, can contribute to behavioral changes in the prevention of falls and changed physical activity patterns amongst elderly people.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vadstena Primary Health Care Center, Jungfruvägen 5, SE-592 32, Vadstena, Sweden

    Ann-Charlotte Grahn Kronhed RPT, Ph.D & Carina Blomberg

  2. Division of Social Medicine and Public Health Science, Department of Health and Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden

    Ann-Charlotte Grahn Kronhed RPT, Ph.D & Toomas Timpka

  3. Center for Public Health Sciences, Department of Health and Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden

    Owe Löfman

  4. Division of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden

    Margareta Möller

Authors
  1. Ann-Charlotte Grahn Kronhed RPT, Ph.D
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  2. Carina Blomberg
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  3. Owe Löfman
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  4. Toomas Timpka
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  5. Margareta Möller
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Correspondence to Ann-Charlotte Grahn Kronhed RPT, Ph.D.

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Kronhed, AC.G., Blomberg, C., Löfman, O. et al. Evaluation of an osteoporosis and fall risk intervention program for community-dwelling elderly. A quasi-experimental study of behavioral modifications. Aging Clin Exp Res 18, 235–241 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324654

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