Joyce W Tam1, Catherine Van Son2, Dennis Dyck3, Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe4. 1. Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. Electronic address: joyce.tam@wsu.edu. 2. College of Nursing, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, USA. Electronic address: vansonc@wsu.edu. 3. Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. Electronic address: dyck@wsu.edu. 4. Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. Electronic address: schmitter-e@wsu.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Aging services technologies (ASTs), health technology that meets the needs of seniors, are being underutilized due to a lack of awareness. This study evaluated a video-based educational program to increase AST awareness. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-one older adults completed AST measures pre- and post-program. RESULTS: Participants endorsed significantly improved AST knowledge and attitude and a lower level of perceived stigma post-program. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that a greater reduction in stigma post-program and a higher number of physical/cognitive needs supported by ASTs at baseline were significant predictors of a greater increase in expressed intention to use ASTs following the video program. Furthermore, individuals living in their own homes, with a lower level of education, fewer physical and/or cognitive needs supported by ASTs at baseline, and greater functional limitations were found to be more likely to report a significant reduction in perceived stigma post-program. Four-week follow-up data from 75 individuals showed stable program gains. Program feedback was positive. CONCLUSION: The current findings provide support for the utility of the AST videos. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The educational materials used in this study can be used clinically or for public health education to increase awareness and adoption of ASTs.
OBJECTIVE: Aging services technologies (ASTs), health technology that meets the needs of seniors, are being underutilized due to a lack of awareness. This study evaluated a video-based educational program to increase AST awareness. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-one older adults completed AST measures pre- and post-program. RESULTS:Participants endorsed significantly improved AST knowledge and attitude and a lower level of perceived stigma post-program. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that a greater reduction in stigma post-program and a higher number of physical/cognitive needs supported by ASTs at baseline were significant predictors of a greater increase in expressed intention to use ASTs following the video program. Furthermore, individuals living in their own homes, with a lower level of education, fewer physical and/or cognitive needs supported by ASTs at baseline, and greater functional limitations were found to be more likely to report a significant reduction in perceived stigma post-program. Four-week follow-up data from 75 individuals showed stable program gains. Program feedback was positive. CONCLUSION: The current findings provide support for the utility of the AST videos. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The educational materials used in this study can be used clinically or for public health education to increase awareness and adoption of ASTs.