Evaluation of the Staying Healthy After Fifty Educational Program: Impact on Course Participants

Abstract

A study to evaluate the impact of a medical self-care program on older adults was conducted. The test group ( n=161) participated in an 11-session educational interven tion with training in clinical skills, lifestyle, and the use of health services. The compar ison group (n=164) received no intervention. The test group was assessed pre-interven tion, post-intervention, and six months post-intervention and the comparison group was assessed at corresponding intervals. The results indicated that medical self-care instruction produces substantial improvements in health-related knowledge, health skills performance, and health actions. This study produced no evidence, however, that medical self-care instruction has any effect on health status, the utilization of medical care, or other aspects of life quality.