ERIC Number: EJ887088
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Impact of Poison Prevention Education on the Knowledge and Behaviors of Seniors
Jones, Paul R.; Sheppard, Monique A.; Snowden, Cecelia B.; Miller, Ted R.; Nelkin, Valerie S.; Nguyen, Denise D.; Tominack, Ivy; Dunlap, Hallie Chillag
American Journal of Health Education, v41 n3 p139-146 May-Jun 2010
Background: Unintentional poisoning is an important public health issue that exacts a heavy toll on our nation's seniors. However, relatively few empirical studies have examined the efficacy of poison prevention education programs on this cohort. Purpose: This study assessed the impact of a poison education program on the knowledge, perceptions, intentions, and behaviors of seniors in Missouri and West Virginia. Methods: One-hundred and twenty-seven seniors completed pre- and post-test surveys, which were designed to assess the program's efficacy. Participants were re-interviewed after four weeks to determine whether they had implemented the behaviors described in the program. Results: The results revealed that the program improved the knowledge of participants and impacted both their behavioral intentions and actual behaviors. Discussion: When taken together, these data indicate that brief educational interventions may be an effective tool in reducing the incidence of unintentional poisonings among seniors. Translation to Health Education Practice: More generally, these methods and findings suggest that single sessions of theory-driven health education can be effective for interventions among seniors. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Health Education, Prevention, Poisoning, Public Health, Program Effectiveness, Knowledge Level, Intention, Pretests Posttests, Interviews, Older Adults, Drug Use, Safety Education
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Missouri; West Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A