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The STEPS Project: Participatory Action Research to Reduce Falls in Public Places Among Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

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Abstract

Through a process of participatory action research involving a telephone hotline, the STEPS project compiled data over a nine month period on the location and nature of 791 pedestrian slips, trips, falls and potential hazards in the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Of the 533 people who reported a slip, trip or fall, the majority (80%) were female, and the average age was 65.27 years. Thirty-five percent (n=186) had some type of physical disability and many (n=106) reported using a mobility aide at the time of their accident. Most callers (75%) said they had suffered an injury, and of these 55% required medical attention. The most frequently reported fall locations were sidewalks and crosswalks. Major recommendations from the study include the need for municipal priority-setting for repairs with input from key user groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Résumé

Au moyen d’une recherche-action participative incluant une ligne téléphonique de secours, le projet STEPS a compilé des données pendant une durée de neuf mois relativement à la localisation et à la nature de 791 glissades, faux pas, chutes et dangers possibles pour les piétons dans le district régional de la capitale de la Colombie-Britannique. Des 533 personnes qui ont déclaré une glissade, un faux pas ou une chute, la plupart (80 %) était des femmes, et l’âge moyen était 65.27. Trente-cinq p. 100 (n =186) avaient un handicap physique quelconque et plusieurs (n = 106) ont déclaré qu’elles utilisaient un moyen de déplacement lors de l’accident. La plupart des appelants (75 %) ont déclaré avoir subi des blessures qui, dans 55 % des cas, ont nécessité un examen médical. Les endroits mentionnés le plus souvent étaient les trottoirs et les passages pour piétons. On retrouve parmi les recommandations principales de l’étude la nécessité pour les municipalités d’établir des priorités de réparations avec une consultation auprès des groupes d’usagers principaux, y compris les personnes âgées et les personnes qui ont un handicap.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Canada

    Elaine M. Gallagher PhD (Associate Professor) & Vicky J. Scott BScN

Authors
  1. Elaine M. Gallagher PhD
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  2. Vicky J. Scott BScN
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elaine M. Gallagher PhD.

Additional information

Funding for the project was received from Health Canada Seniors Independence Program, the federal government Disabled Persons Participation Program, Capital Regional District Health, and the BC Ministry of Skills, Training and Labor.

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Gallagher, E.M., Scott, V.J. The STEPS Project: Participatory Action Research to Reduce Falls in Public Places Among Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. Can J Public Health 88, 129–133 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403876

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403876

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