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Determining priorities for research in ageing: A community survey
Author(s) -
Byles Julie,
Parkinson Lynne,
Nair Balakrishnan Kichu,
Watson Jane,
Valentine Megan
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2007.00218.x
Subject(s) - dementia , gerontology , older people , mental health , ageing , medicine , psychology , disease , psychiatry , pathology
Objectives: This paper reports the culmination of a local process of priority setting for ageing research.Methods: A cross‐sectional random community mailout was conducted across 1500 Hunter region, Australia, households during 2001, using the modified Dillman procedures. The survey included 38 research topics and priority items. Research priorities were grouped according to factors identified by factor analysis.Results: There were 694 respondents. Four research priority factors were identified: age‐related diseases, symptoms and problems of ageing, lifestyle factors, and mental and social issues of ageing. Top‐rating priorities were stroke, dementia, heart disease and cancer. Overall, more women and older people (65+ years) ranked items as very important. Lifestyle factors were mentioned most often as the most important health and social issues facing older people.Conclusions: Community views should be considered where evidence and researcher interest can support this.