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Effectiveness of a home hazard modification program for reducing falls in urban community‐dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Kamei Tomoko,
Kajii Fumiko,
Yamamoto Yuko,
Irie Yukako,
Kozakai Rumi,
Sugimoto Tomoko,
Chigira Ayako,
Niino Naoakira
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
japan journal of nursing science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.363
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1742-7924
pISSN - 1742-7932
DOI - 10.1111/jjns.12059
Subject(s) - medicine , randomized controlled trial , fall prevention , gerontology , poison control , physical therapy , injury prevention , suicide prevention , environmental health , surgery
Aim To evaluate the potential improvement of fall prevention awareness and home modification behaviors and to decrease indoor falls by applying a home hazard modification program ( HHMP ) in community‐dwelling older adults followed up to 1 year in this randomized controlled trial. Methods The present authors randomly assigned 130 older adults living in the T okyo metropolitan region to either the HHMP intervention group ( n = 67) or the control group ( n = 63). Both groups received four, 2 h fall prevention multifactorial programs including education regarding fall risk factors, food and nutrition, foot self‐care, and exercise sessions. However, only the HHMP group received education and practice regarding home safety by using a model mock‐up of a typical J apanese home. Results The mean age of the HHMP group was 75.7 years and the control group 75.8. The HHMP group showed a 10.9% reduction in overall falls, and falls indoors showed an 11.7% reduction at 52 weeks. Those aged 75 years and over showed a significant reduction in both overall falls and indoor falls at 12 weeks. Fall prevention awareness and home modifications were significantly improved in the HHMP group. Conclusion HHMP has the potential to improve fall prevention awareness and home modification behaviors, and specifically decreased overall and indoor falls in 12 weeks in those aged 75 years and older in community‐dwelling older adults.