Kalin M Clifford1, Neha Sheth Pandit, Chanel F Agness. 1. Geriatrics Division, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess change in knowledge and awareness of upper respiratory-tract infections (URTIs), and appropriate antibiotic use in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Single group, pre- and post-test study. SETTING: Two independent senior living communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults eligible to receive housing or other social services as defined by the study sites. INTERVENTION: Use of an interactive trivia game to educate older adults about URTIs. A 15-item pre- and postsurvey was administered to assess change in knowledge. OUTCOME MEASURES: Average change in pre- and postsurvey scores. RESULTS: Thirty-two seniors participated in the game intervention, with 18 completing both surveys. There was no significant difference in the total mean pre- versus postsurvey scores. Average scores of pre- and postsurveys were 9.28 and 9.17, respectively, out of 15 points (95% confidence interval 0.65 +/- 1.414; P = 0.76). Upon review of individual survey questions, two specific areas showed a significant improvement on postsurvey scores compared with baseline. Participants showed significant improvement, however, in knowledge regarding symptoms that may require the use of an antibiotic (P = 0.02) and symptomatic management of URTI symptoms (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Based on survey results, we learned more about older adults' knowledge regarding URTIs, antibiotic use, and strategies to provide education to community-dwelling geriatric adults. The game was effective in teaching older adults about symptom management and symptoms that may require an antibiotic.
OBJECTIVE: To assess change in knowledge and awareness of upper respiratory-tract infections (URTIs), and appropriate antibiotic use in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: Single group, pre- and post-test study. SETTING: Two independent senior living communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults eligible to receive housing or other social services as defined by the study sites. INTERVENTION: Use of an interactive trivia game to educate older adults about URTIs. A 15-item pre- and postsurvey was administered to assess change in knowledge. OUTCOME MEASURES: Average change in pre- and postsurvey scores. RESULTS: Thirty-two seniors participated in the game intervention, with 18 completing both surveys. There was no significant difference in the total mean pre- versus postsurvey scores. Average scores of pre- and postsurveys were 9.28 and 9.17, respectively, out of 15 points (95% confidence interval 0.65 +/- 1.414; P = 0.76). Upon review of individual survey questions, two specific areas showed a significant improvement on postsurvey scores compared with baseline. Participants showed significant improvement, however, in knowledge regarding symptoms that may require the use of an antibiotic (P = 0.02) and symptomatic management of URTI symptoms (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Based on survey results, we learned more about older adults' knowledge regarding URTIs, antibiotic use, and strategies to provide education to community-dwelling geriatric adults. The game was effective in teaching older adults about symptom management and symptoms that may require an antibiotic.