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Prevention BINGO: reducing medication and alcohol use risks for older adults
Amy Thatcher Benza1, Sandy Calvert, Cindy Boone McQuown
1Cornerstone Wellness, Inc., Medina, Ohio, USA.
Aging & Mental Health
|November 12, 2010
Summary
This study shows that a prevention program significantly improved older adults' knowledge of risks associated with alcohol and multiple medications. Participants reported increased awareness and understanding of these health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Older adults face heightened risks from alcohol consumption and polypharmacy.
- Interactions between alcohol and multiple medications pose significant health threats to seniors.
- A knowledge gap exists regarding the specific risks older adults encounter with medication and alcohol use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a prevention program in enhancing older adults' knowledge of alcohol and medication-related risks.
- To assess changes in attitudes and choices concerning medication and alcohol use post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- A prevention program was delivered to older adults (N=348).
- Knowledge was measured using pre- and post-tests assessing risks of polypharmacy and alcohol use.
- A subsample (N=60) completed a follow-up survey on attitudes and choices at 30 days.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in knowledge regarding medication and alcohol risks were observed from pre- to post-test.
- The majority of participants reported a positive shift in attitudes towards greater awareness and understanding of risks.
- Follow-up data indicated increased awareness of medication interactions, polypharmacy, and alcohol-related risks.
Conclusions:
- The intervention successfully increased older adults' knowledge of risks associated with medication use, interactions, polypharmacy, and alcohol.
- Further research is recommended to replicate findings and explore prevention education's role in risk reduction.
- This program demonstrates potential for improving health outcomes in older adults by addressing critical knowledge deficits.
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