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- Title
Preventing Disability and Falls in Older Adults: A Population-Based Randomized Trial.
- Authors
Wagner, Edward H.; LaCroix, Andrea Z.; Grothaus, Lou; Leveille, Suzanne G.; Hecht, Julia A.; Artz, Karen; Odle, Kristine; Buchner, David M.
- Abstract
Objectives. Because preventing disability and falls in older adults is a national priority, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to test a multicomponent intervention program. Methods. From a random sample of health maintenance organization (HMO) enrollees 65 years and older. 1559 ambulatory seniors were randomized to one of three groups; a nurse assessment visit and follow-up interventions targeting risk factors for disability and falls (group 1, n = 635); a general health promotion nurse visit (group 2, n = 317); and usual care (group 3, n = 607). Data collection consisted of a baseline and two annual follow-up surveys. Results. After 1 year, group 1 subjects reported a significantly lower incidence of declining functional status and a significantly lower incidence of falls than group 3 subjects. Group 2 subjects had intermediate levels of most outcomes. After 2 years of follow-up, the differences narrowed. Conclusions. The results suggest that a modest, one-time prevention program appeared to corer short term health benefits on ambulatory HMO enrollees, although benefits diminished by the second year of follow-up. the mechanisms by which the intervention may have improved outcomes required further investigation.
- Subjects
DISABILITIES; ACCIDENTAL falls in old age; HEALTH of older people; HEALTH maintenance organizations; CLINICAL trials
- Publication
American Journal of Public Health, 1994, Vol 84, Issue 11, p1800
- ISSN
0090-0036
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2105/AJPH.84.11.1800