Quasi-Experimental Study Assessing the Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention for Fall Prevention Among Older...

Background: With increasing life expectancy, older adult populations worldwide are growing rapidly. Falls are among the most prominent problems that older adults face. This study aimed to assess the educational components of the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries (STEADI) program for improving knowledge, skills, and behavioral intentions for fall prevention among older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design, involving 128 older women (≥60 years) in a community center in Riyadh. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Pearson's chi-square test was performed to compare demographic and physical characteristics between the groups. Independent-sample t-tests, effect size calculation (Cohen's d), and ANCOVA-adjusted analyses were used to compare post-intervention outcomes between groups. Within-group changes were compared using a paired t-test. Additionally, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the demographic, health, and physical characteristics of the participants. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The intervention group showed improved knowledge (t = 11.654), skills (t = 7.961), and intention to perform preventive behaviors (t = 3.785), with a significant p-value of <0.0001. Large intervention effects were observed for knowledge (Cohen's d = 2.30) and skills (Cohen's d = 1.57). ANCOVA-adjusted analyses confirmed significant intervention effects for knowledge (adjusted mean difference = 5.06, 95% CI 4.46-5.66, p < 0.001) and skills (adjusted mean difference = 1.87, 95% CI 1.56-2.18, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results indicate that the STEADI program produces significant short-term improvements in knowledge, skills, and behavioral intentions related to fall prevention. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating prevention programs into community settings and activating the role of families in supporting preventive practices.