Impact of eligibility criteria on phototherapy program size and cost.

To determine the effect of eligibility criteria on phototherapy program size and cost, 786 births in a large Health Maintenance Organization were prospectively studied. Four sets of criteria were compared, including those of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the health maintenance organization's own criteria. With all criteria sets, hospital-based phototherapy treatment was indicated for 13 (1.7%) infants and no phototherapy was indicated for 687 (87.4%) infants. Treatment varied substantially according to criteria set for the remaining 86 (10.9%) infants. From 14% to 100% of these infants would have received treatment, depending on the criteria applied; of those potentially treated, from 30% to 80% would have received home treatment. Estimated annual discretionary phototherapy costs (1985 dollars) ranged from $15,168 with the health maintenance organization criteria to almost five to six times this amount ($70,232 to $90,800) with the other criteria. Differences in costs were due mainly to the number of infants treated. This study illustrates the way in which modest variation in standards of care can potentially have a relatively large effect on medical care costs. As a case study of how health maintenance organizations reduce costs, the study shows that although the health maintenance organization anticipated costs savings due to substituting outpatient care for hospital care, most savings occurred because of a reduction in the number of infants treated.

Quantitating physical activity in COPD using a triaxial accelerometer.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability, validity, and stability of a triaxial accelerometer for walking and daily activity measurement in a COPD sample. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive design. SETTING: Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program in a university-affiliated Veterans Affairs medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven outpatients (44 men and 3 women) with stable COPD (FEV(1), 37% predicted; SD, 16%) prior to entry into a pulmonary rehabilitation program. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Test-retest reliability of a triaxial movement sensor (Tritrac R3D Research Ergometer; Professional Products; Madison, WI) was evaluated in 35 of the 47 subjects during three standardized 6-min walks (intraclass correlation coefficient [rICC] = 0.84). Pearson correlations evaluated accelerometer concurrent validity as a measure of walking (in vector magnitude units), compared to walking distance in all 47 subjects during three sequential 6-min walks (0. 84, 0.85, and 0.95, respectively; p < 0.001). The validity of the accelerometer as a measure of daily activity over 3 full days at home was evaluated in all subjects using Pearson correlations with other indicators of functional capacity. The accelerometer correlated with exercise capacity (maximal 6-min walk, r = 0.74; p < 0.001); level of obstructive disease (FEV(1) percent predicted, r = 0.62; p < 0.001); dyspnea (Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire, dyspnea over the past 30 days, r = - 0.29; p < 0.05); and activity self-efficacy (Activity Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, r = 0.43; p < 0.01); but not with self-report of daily activity (Modified Activity Recall Questionnaire, r = 0.14; not significant). Stability of the accelerometer to measure 3 full days of activity at home was determined by an rICC of 0.69. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary data suggesting that a triaxial movement sensor is a reliable, valid, and stable measure of walking and daily physical activity in COPD patients. It has the potential to provide more precise measurement of everyday physical functioning in this population than self-report measures currently in use, and measures an important dimension of functional status not previously well-described.

Influenza vaccination in community elderly. A controlled trial of postcard reminders.

Available strategies to increase influenza vaccination rates in the elderly have not been tested in the private sector where most elderly receive care. We performed a randomized controlled trial of a postcard reminder in the three private general internal medicine practices. The observed vaccination rates of 55% in experimental patients (N = 262) and 54% in control patients (N = 278) were similar, though much higher than estimated national rates of 20%. The data indicated that the baseline (control group) vaccination rate was high probably because study participants were exposed to many community vaccination cues, separate from the study cue. That vaccination rates were not higher after additional exposure to the study cue suggests that a "ceiling effect" occurred. Including 70 patients not randomized into the trial because they received flu shots prior to randomization, the vaccination rate in patients who had a clinic visit during autumn months was 75% compared to a rate of 52% in patients not visiting the clinic (P less than .001). Our results suggest that vaccination rates can be considerably higher in the private sector than those reported in the past, and that both vaccination cues and direct patient contact appear important to promote vaccination. This and other studies suggest that traditional cues may have a ceiling effect, yielding vaccination rates no higher than 55 to 65%; further increases in rates will require other approaches.

The relationship of joint symptoms with exercise performance in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine if exercise increases joint symptoms in older adults with a history of arthritis or produces symptoms in older adults without such history. In addition, we examine whether joint symptoms explain the large observed variation in strength gain in older adults undergoing vigorous strength training exercise, and report the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries upon initiation of an exercise program. DESIGN: A population-based, single blinded, randomized controlled trial with three exercise groups and one control group. SETTING: A large urban health maintenance organization. PARTICIPANTS: Older men and women (N = 105) aged 68 to 85, with leg strength below the 50th percentile for their age, sex, height, and weight and without neuromuscular disease or active cardiovascular disease. INTERVENTIONS: Supervised exercise in 1-hour sessions, three times each week, for 24 to 26 weeks. One exercise group did strength training (ST) using weight machines (n = 25); another group did endurance training (ET) using stationary cycles (n = 25); and the third group did combined strength training and endurance training (ST+ET) (n = 25). The control group (n = 30) received no intervention. MEASUREMENTS: Strength was measured at the ankle, knee, hip, and elbow using an isokinetic dynamometer. Joint symptoms were rated on a 6-point scale (0 = none, 5 = severe). Arthritis severity was based on self-reported use of arthritis medication. Health status was measured with subscales of the SF-36 and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). RESULTS: Joint symptoms fluctuated over time in all exercise groups, but they did not improve or worsen significantly in any group. The physical dimension of the SIP and SF-36 subscale scores, including Bodily Pain Scores, did not change over time in any group. Subjects with arthritis and joint symptoms gained as much strength with strength training as did subjects without joint symptoms. Adjustment for age, gender, baseline strength, adherence, and exercise group did not affect this finding. The rate of minor musculoskeletal injuries was 2.2 injuries per 1000 exercise hours. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate intensity stationary cycle exercise and vigorous intensity strength training do not appear to produce or exacerbate joint symptoms in older adults. Joint symptoms did not explain the large variation in gains in strength in older adults participating in a standardized strength training exercise program. Musculoskeletal injuries occurred relatively infrequently, and no major injuries occurred. In evaluating joint pain that occurs in older adults in well regulated exercise programs, clinicians should consider other etiologies before attributing pain to exercise per se.

Do surgical brain lesions present as isolated dementia? A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of clinically important subdural hematoma (SDH), hydrocephalus not associated with a recent intracranial bleed, and intracranial tumor that is not obviously metastatic, and to test the sensitivity of a promising decision rule for computerized tomography (CT) in dementia. DESIGN: Population-based, retrospective, sequential case series. SETTING: Staff model health maintenance organization (HMO). PATIENTS: Patients aged 65 years and older with one of the three lesions, diagnosed over a 4.5-year period, identified mainly through computerized databases of hospital discharge diagnoses and a registry of malignant tumors. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical data were based on chart review. The decision rule, based on one that had been previously proposed and tested, stated that CT would be required if any one of 11 clinical criteria were met by a patient with cognitive impairment. Rule sensitivity was evaluated using clinical information recorded before CT. MAIN RESULTS: One hundred forty-five clinically important lesions were identified among 137,100 person-years at risk. Average annual incidence per 100,000 was 46.7 (95% CI 36.0, 59.6) for SDH, 5.8 (95% CI 2.5, 11.5) for hydrocephalus not associated with a recent intracranial bleed, and 53.2 (95% CI 41.7, 66.9) for intracranial tumors that were not obviously metastatic. Using the 65 to 74- year age strata as a reference, the relative risk for SDH was 4.8 (95% CI 2.7, 8.5) in 75 to 84-year-olds and 13.1 (95% CI 7.7, 22.5) in the 85 and older strata. Among 59 patients who presented with cognitive impairment, without altered sensorium or physical evidence of trauma, decision rule sensitivity was 93.2% (95% CI 83.5%, 98.1%). Sensitivity was 90.7% (95% CI 77.9%, 97.4%) in the subgroup that presented to an ambulatory care clinic rather than to an emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: These three lesions, which are the most common surgical lesions that may present as dementia, are rare. Most cases have presentations that easily distinguish them from typical Alzheimer's disease. This case series indicates that it may be feasible to develop a decision rule for the selective use of CT in dementia. Disease spectrum will influence measures of decision rule performance such as sensitivity and specificity.

Predicting hospitalization and functional decline in older health plan enrollees: are administrative data as accurate as self-report?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the predictive accuracy of two validated indices, one that uses self-reported variables and a second that uses variables derived from administrative data sources, to predict future hospitalization. To compare the predictive accuracy of these same two indices for predicting future functional decline. DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study with 4 years of follow-up. SETTING: A large staff model HMO in western Washington State. PARTICIPANTS: HMO Enrollees 65 years and older (n = 2174) selected at random to participate in a health promotion trial and who completed a baseline questionnaire. MEASUREMENT: Predicted probabilities from the two indices were determined for study participants for each of two outcomes: hospitalization two or more times in 4 years and functional decline in 4 years, measured by Restricted Activity Days. The two indices included similar demographic characteristics, diagnoses, and utilization predictors. The probabilities from each index were entered into a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve program to obtain the Area Under the Curve (AUC) for comparison of predictive accuracy. RESULTS: For hospitalization, the AUC of the self-report and administrative indices were .696 and .694, respectively (difference between curves, P = .828). For functional decline, the AUC of the two indices were .714 and .691, respectively (difference between curves, P = .144). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a self-report index, the administrative index affords wider population coverage, freedom from nonresponse bias, lower cost, and similar predictive accuracy. A screening strategy utilizing administrative data sources may thus prove more valuable for identifying high risk older health plan enrollees for population-based interventions designed to improve their health status.

Psychotropic medication withdrawal and a home-based exercise program to prevent falls: a randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of psychotropic medication withdrawal and a home-based exercise program in reducing falls in older people. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with a two by two factorial design. SETTING: Seventeen general practices in Dunedin, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: Women and men aged 65 years registered with a general practitioner and currently taking psychotropic medication (n = 93). INTERVENTIONS: Two interventions: (1) gradual withdrawal of psychotropic medication versus continuing to take psychotropic medication (double blind) and (2) a home-based exercise program versus no exercise program (single blind). MEASUREMENTS: Number of falls and falls risk during 44 weeks of follow-up. Analysis was on an intent to treat basis. RESULTS: After 44 weeks, the relative hazard for falls in the medication withdrawal group compared with the group taking their original medication was .34 (95% CI, .16-.74). The risk of falling for the exercise program group compared with those not receiving the exercise program was not significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Withdrawal of psychotropic medication significantly reduced the risk of falling, but permanent withdrawal is very difficult to achieve.

The Seattle FICSIT/MoveIt study: the effect of exercise on gait and balance in older adults.

While exercise is generally recommended for older adults, the specific role of exercise in preventing falls and frail health is unclear. The Seattle FICSIT/MoveIt study is a population-based, randomized, controlled trial comparing the effects of three 6-month exercise interventions (endurance training, strength training, or combined endurance and strength training), and three 3-month endurance training interventions (stationary cycle, walking, or aerobic movement). Primary study outcomes are aerobic capacity, strength, gait, balance, and physical functional status. The study enrolls adults age 68-85 who have leg weakness and impaired gait. It differs from most previous community-based exercise studies in several respects: recruitment of subjects from a defined population; eligibility criteria based upon physiologic and functional status deficits; random assignment to exercise groups; assessment of both physiologic and functional status outcomes; follow-up beyond the completion of supervised exercise; and a large sample size (Total N = 180).

Medical conditions and motor vehicle collision injuries in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether medical conditions that can impair sensory, cognitive, or motor function increase the risk of injury due to motor vehicle collision in older drivers. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, a large prepaid health plan. PARTICIPANTS: Group Health members age 65 or older who were licensed drivers in 5 counties. Cases were injured while driving during 1987 or 1988. Controls were matched to cases on age, gender, and county of residence but experienced no such injury during the study years. MEASUREMENTS: The outcome was injury requiring medical care due to a police-investigated motor vehicle collision. Risk factors evaluated included selected medical conditions active within the previous 3 years, as determined from the medical record. MAIN RESULTS: Injury risk was 2.6-fold higher in older diabetic drivers (95% CI: 1.4-4.7), especially those treated with insulin (odds ratio [OR] = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.2-28.7) or oral hypoglycemic agents (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 0.9-11.0), those with diabetes for over 5 years (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.7-8.7), and those with both diabetes and coronary heart disease (OR = 8.0, 95% CI: 1.7-37.7). Increases were also found for older drivers with coronary artery disease (OR = 1.4), depression (OR = 1.7), alcohol abuse (OR = 2.1), or falls (OR = 1.4), but these associations could easily have arisen by chance. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling about driving risks may be warranted for certain elderly diabetic drivers. Further research is needed to determine whether transient hypoglycemia or long-term complications explain these effects.

Relationship between physical performance and self-perceived physical function.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare two methods of measuring physical function in subjects with a broad range of abilities and to evaluate the effects of cognitive, social, educational, and age factors on the relationship between the two methods. DESIGN: Multiple regression analysis was used to compare self-perceived (dependent variables) with performance measures (independent variables). Covariates included age, gender, Mini-Mental State Exam score, education, living status, and depression score. SETTING: Five community-dwelling and two nursing home sites. PARTICIPANTS: 417 community-dwelling subjects and 200 nursing home residents aged 62-98 years. MEASUREMENTS: Self-perceived physical function was assessed with the physical dimension summary score of the Sickness Impact Profile, which comprises three subscales: ambulation, mobility, and body care and movement. Physical performance was evaluated by self-selected gait speed, chair-stand time, maximal grip strength, and a balance score. RESULTS: Nursing home residents and community-dwellers were significantly different (P < .0001) in all variables except age and gender. Self-perceived and performance-based measures were moderately correlated, with a range from r = -.194 to r = -.625 (P < .05). Gait speed was the strongest independent predictor of self-perceived physical function in both groups. Symptoms of depression were also an independent predictor of self-perceived function in nursing home residents; subjects who had such symptoms report more self-perceived dysfunction than would be predicted based on performance tests. CONCLUSIONS: Self-selected gait speed is a global indicator of self-perceived physical function over a broad range of abilities. External determinants (depressive symptoms, cognitive function, marital status, etc.) affect self-perceived function in both groups, but gait speed is the greatest single predictor of self-perceived function. In nursing home residents depressive symptomatology is related to self-perceived.

Development of the common data base for the FICSIT trials.

The eight FICSIT (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques) sites test different intervention strategies in selected target groups of older adults. To compare the relative potential of these interventions to reduce frailty and fall-related injuries, all sites share certain descriptive (risk-adjustment) measures and outcome measures. This article describes the shared measures, which are referred to as the FICSIT Common Data Base (CDB). The description is divided into four sections according to the four FICSIT committees responsible for the CDB: (1) psychosocial health and demographic measures; (2) physical health measures; (3) fall-related measures; and (4) cost and cost-effectiveness measures. Because the structure of the FICSIT trial is unusual, the CDB should expedite secondary analyses of various research questions dealing with frailty and falls.

A cross-sectional validation study of the FICSIT common data base static balance measures. Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Two simple balance scales comprising three or four familiar tests of static balance were developed, and their validity and reliability are described. The scales were such that the relative difficulties of the basic tests were taken into consideration. METHODS: Using FICSIT data, Fisher's method was used to construct scales combining ability to maintain balance in parallel, semi-tandem, tandem, and one-legged stances. Reliability was inferred from the stability of the measure over 3-4 months. Construct validity was assessed by cross-sectional correlations. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability (over 3-4 months) was good (r = .66). Validity of the FICSIT-3 scale was suggested by its low correlation with age, its moderate to high correlations with physical function measures, and three balance assessment systems. The FICSIT-4 scale discriminated balance over a wide range of health status; the three-test scale had a substantial ceiling effect in community samples. CONCLUSION: A balance scale was developed that appears to have acceptable reliability, validity, and discriminant ability.

The effect of strength and endurance training on gait, balance, fall risk, and health services use in community-living older adults.

BACKGROUND: The study tested the effect of strength and endurance training on gait, balance, physical health status, fall risk, and health services use in older adults. METHODS: The study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis. Adults (n = 105) age 68-85 with at least mild deficits in strength and balance were selected from a random sample of enrollees in a health maintenance organization. The intervention was supervised exercise (1-h sessions, three per week, for 24-26 weeks), followed by self-supervised exercise. Exercise groups included strength training using weight machines (n = 25), endurance training using bicycles (n = 25), and strength and endurance training (n = 25). Study outcomes included gait tests, balance tests, physical health status measures, self-reported falls (up to 25 months of follow-up), and inpatient and outpatient use and costs. RESULTS: There were no effects of exercise on gait, balance, or physical health status. Exercise had a protective effect on risk of falling (relative hazard = .53, 95% CI = .30-.91). Between 7 and 18 months after randomization, control subjects had more outpatient clinic visits (p < .06) and were more likely to sustain hospital costs over $5000 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise may have beneficial effects on fall rates and health care use in some subgroups of older adults. In community-living adults with mainly mild impairments in gait, balance, and physical health status, short-term exercise may not have a restorative effect on these impairments.

Implementation and effectiveness of a community-based health promotion program for older adults.

BACKGROUND: Because preventing functional decline in older adults is a national priority and senior centers have been identified as potentially important venues for health-promotion activities, a trial of a multicomponent disability prevention program was conducted at a senior center. METHODS: One hundred older adults were recruited for a 6-month randomized clinical trial. All members of the experimental group received an exercise intervention, nutrition counseling, and a home safety assessment. Smoking and alcohol interventions were delivered to at-risk subjects. Outcome variables included the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36) health survey, the CES-Depression scale, bed days, and restricted-activity days. RESULTS: A single study announcement resulted in a response sufficient to recruit 100 subjects. The exercise program was well received: 85% of intervention subjects completed the 6-month program and adherence was excellent, with over 90% attendance at exercise classes. After 6 months the intervention group had significantly better scores on 7 of 8 SF-36 subscales and fewer depressive symptoms than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Senior centers may be excellent sites for community-based health promotion interventions: participation and adherence rates may be acceptable, interventions can be designed that are feasible in this setting, and these interventions appear to affect health status positively. The study program improved physical and psychosocial functioning and is a promising model for preventing functional decline through activities based at senior centers.

Factors associated with changes in gait speed in older adults.

BACKGROUND: The study addressed whether changes in gait speed in community-dwelling older adults were associated with changes in fitness (strength and aerobic capacity), physical health status, and/or depressive symptoms. METHODS: The study sample comprised 152 community-dwelling adults aged 68-85 who had participated in an exercise study. Study measures at baseline and 6-month follow-up included gait speed, a leg strength score, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), CES-Depression scale, and physical health status (SIP Physical Dimension). RESULTS: In cross-sectional regression analyses, leg strength, VO2max, weight, and the strength by VO2max interaction term were significant independent predictors of gait speed (R2 = 26%). Based upon the observed 7% increase in VO2max and 8% increase in strength in the exercise groups, the regression model predicted only a 2% (1.5 m/min) increase in gait speed, which did not differ significantly from the observed increase of 0% (.32 m/min). The strongest correlate of change in gait speed was change in CES-D scores (partial R = -.37). Change in physical health status also correlated with change in gait speed (partial R = -.28), while change in fitness did not. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest, in the range of fitness of the study sample, that changes in gait speed are related to changes in depressive symptoms and physical health status, but not to modest changes in fitness. A model assuming nonlinear relationships may be appropriate for understanding how strength and aerobic capacity affect gait speed.

Exercise: effects on physical functional performance in independent older adults.

BACKGROUND: Age-related loss in physiologic capacities contributes to the decline in physical function in the elderly population. Despite the beneficial effects of exercise interventions on maximal physiologic capacity measures, the functional benefits have not been shown in independently living older adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate exercise in independent older adults for significant and meaningful improvements in physical function, not detected by commonly used measures of physical function. METHODS: In a randomized controlled study, 49 independently living men and women were assigned to either a nonexercise control group (Control; n = 26) or an exercise training group (Exercise; n = 23). Participants (age = 76+/-4) in good general health were recruited from retirement communities or apartments. The combined endurance and strength training was performed at 75% to 80% intensity; the groups met 3 times/week for 6 months of supervised sessions. Outcome measures included physical capacity, health status, and physical function using a newly developed performance test--the Continuous Scale-Physical Functional Performance test (CS-PFP). RESULTS: Compared to the Control group, the Exercise group showed significant increases in maximal oxygen consumption (11%) and muscle strength (33%). No significant differences were found between groups for changes in the Sickness Impact Profile, SF-36 scales, or the 6-minute walk. However, the CS-PFP score improved significantly in the Exercise group (14%, effect size 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Independent older adults gain meaningful functional benefits from several months of exercise training. The public health importance of physical activity may relate not just to its role in preventing decline, but also to its role in enhancing physical function.

Physical activity interventions targeting older adults. A critical review and recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Although many of the chronic conditions plaguing older populations are preventable through appropriate lifestyle interventions such as regular physical activity, persons in this age group represent the most sedentary segment of the adult population. The purpose of the current paper was to provide a critical selected review of the scientific literature focusing on interventions to promote physical activity among older adults. METHODS: Comprehensive computerized searches of the recent English language literature aimed at physical activity intervention in adults aged 50 years and older, supplemented with visual scans of several journal on aging, were undertaken. Articles were considered to be relevant for the current review if they were community-based, employed a randomized design or a quasi-experimental design with an appropriate comparison group, and included information on intervention participation rates, pre- and post-intervention physical activity levels, and/or pre/post changes in relevant physical performance measures. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were identified that fit the stated criteria. Among the strengths of the studies reviewed were reasonable physical activity participation rates and relatively long study durations. Among the weaknesses of the literature reviewed were the relative lack of specific behavioral or program-based strategies aimed at promoting physical activity participation, as well as the dearth of studies aimed at replication, generalizability of interventions to important subgroups, implementation, and cost-effectiveness evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for future scientific endeavors targeting older adults are discussed.

Physical activity and health promotion for older adults in public housing.

INTRODUCTION: Designing health promotion and disease prevention (HPDP) programs for older residents of public housing is hampered by a lack of information about residents' needs and interests. This study addressed whether residents have greater needs for lifestyle modification or for preventive care and assessed interest in programs emphasizing physical activity. METHODS: Older residents (n = 199) of public housing facilities in Seattle were surveyed to assess HPDP needs. A comparison of residents with older HMO enrollees (n = 2,289) identified which needs were relatively greater in residents of public housing. Residents' interest in physical activity programs was assessed by interviewing residents and by observing their interest in an exercise class. RESULTS: The majority of residents could benefit from physical activity programs (75% of residents reported less than 60 minutes per week of exercise); fewer residents could benefit from smoking cessation programs (21%) and alcohol counseling (4%). The largest difference between residents and HMO enrollees was the greater need of residents for physical activity promotion. Residents and HMO enrollees reported similar use of preventive care services. Though residents seldom identified physical inactivity as a major concern, residents demonstrated interest in physical activity programs. Eighteen (41%) of 44 residents participated regularly or irregularly in an exercise class offered at their facility. When the class was scheduled to be discontinued, residents successfully lobbied city government to sustain the class. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest promoting physical activity should be a major goal of HPDP programs for older residents of public housing.

Recruiting African-American older adults for a community-based health promotion intervention: which strategies are effective?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of recruitment strategies used to recruit African-American older adults for a senior center-based health promotion trial with a 6-month exercise component. METHODS: We compared multiple strategies for recruiting participants from senior center members and other older adults residing in the surrounding predominantly African-American community. The phonathon, direct telephone recruitment by senior center leadership, is compared with traditional approaches. RESULTS: All recruiting strategies combined yielded a total of 120 participants. Phonathons involving five or six senior center board members in two half-day sessions yielded 40 participants or 33% of all participants. Strategies categorized as printed media yielded 39 participants or 33% of all participants. Strategies categorized as word-of-mouth yielded 31 participants or 26% of all participants. Remaining approaches accounted for an additional 10 participants or 8% of all participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support employing a multifaceted recruitment approach and demonstrate the importance of strong linkages between the research team and community leaders in conducting health promotion research in minority communities. An innovative approach, the phonathon, may be a potentially important recruitment strategy.

Economic evaluation of a community based exercise programme to prevent falls.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incremental costs and cost effectiveness of implementing a home based muscle strengthening and balance retraining programme that reduced falls and injuries in older women. DESIGN: An economic evaluation carried out within a randomised controlled trial with two years of follow up. Participants were individually prescribed an exercise programme (exercise group, n=116) or received usual care and social visits (control group, n=117). SETTING: 17 general practices in Dunedin, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: Women aged 80 years and older living in the community and invited by their general practitioner to take part. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of falls and injuries related to falls, costs of implementing the intervention, healthcare service costs resulting from falls and total healthcare service costs during the trial. Cost effectiveness was measured as the incremental cost of implementing the exercise programme per fall event prevented. MAIN RESULTS: 27% of total hospital costs during the trial were related to falls. However, there were no significant differences in health service costs between the two groups. Implementing the exercise programme for one and two years respectively cost $314 and $265 (1995 New Zealand dollars) per fall prevented, and $457 and $426 per fall resulting in a moderate or serious injury prevented. CONCLUSIONS: The costs resulting from falls make up a substantial proportion of the hospital costs for older people. Despite a reduction in falls as a result of this home exercise programme there was no significant reduction in healthcare costs. However, the results reported will provide information on the cost effectiveness of the programme for those making decisions on falls prevention strategies.