Influences of a Church-Based Intervention on Falls Risk Among Seniors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Community Health Nursing

Background:

• Community-based programs show success in reducing fall risk for older adults.
• Faith-based programs are known to improve health behaviors.
• Evidence is lacking on the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives in reducing seniors' fall risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify baseline health concerns linked to falls in seniors.
• To implement a nurse-led, faith-based health education program for at-risk African American seniors.
• To evaluate changes in fall frequency before and after the program.

Main Methods:

• An 8-month educational health program was delivered monthly in 10 urban churches.
• Community nurses led sessions focused on self-care and social support.
• Seniors were interviewed pre- and post-intervention to collect fall frequency data.

Main Results:

• Baseline data revealed high rates of polypharmacy and physical imbalance among seniors.
• No significant depression or social support gaps were identified.
• A statistically significant change in fall frequency was not observed post-program.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer insights into health and fall risks among African American seniors.
• Church settings may offer a psychosocial buffer, but polypharmacy and balance issues require ongoing attention.
• The absence of increased fall frequency post-intervention is a positive outcome.