ERIC Number: EJ1133295
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Evaluation of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Awareness of Medication Safety in Older Adults with Low Health Literacy
Whittaker, Chanel F.; Tom, Sarah E.; Bivens, Angel; Klein-Schwartz, Wendy
American Journal of Health Education, v48 n2 p100-107 2017
Background: Older adults with low health literacy are at increased risk of nonadherence, accidental drug exposure, and adverse events. Purpose: This study evaluated older adults' knowledge and awareness of medication safety and poison prevention resources using an interactive educational game compared to a less intensive intervention involving individual review of brochures. Methods: Both groups were given pre- and postintervention surveys to assess change in knowledge. Participants were followed up at 30 days to assess knowledge retention and behavior changes. Results: A total of 101 older adults participated in the study. In the game group, the median improvement in the index score pre- and postintervention was 3, moving from 9 (interquartile range [IQR] 6, 9) to 11 (IQR 9, 12). The brochure group median improvement was 1, moving from 7.5 (IQR 6, 8) to 8 (IQR 5, 10). Comparing postintervention to 30-day follow-up, over 50% of respondents retained the correct responses. Discussion: The interactive game significantly improved knowledge regarding use of child-resistant cap, interpreting a drug facts label, medication list documentation, and who to call for advice. Translation to Health Education Practice: This educational intervention has potential to increase awareness of poison prevention resources and medication safety strategies in older adults with low health literacy.
Descriptors: Older Adults, Health Education, Intervention, Adult Education, Drug Therapy, Safety Education, Knowledge Level, Poisoning, Prevention, Program Evaluation, Pretests Posttests, Surveys, Adult Programs, Comparative Analysis, Behavior Change, Educational Games, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maryland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A