J Agric Med Community Health.  2015 Sep;40(3):126-136. 10.5393/JAMCH.2015.40.3.126.

Effects of an Educational Program for the High Risk Group of Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease: Awareness of the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in the Aged at Senior Centers

• Song JK
• Park HK
• Hong SC

• KMID: 2177968
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2015.40.3.126

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to investigate the effects of a health education program for the aged on knowledge about the warning signs and symptoms of acute myocardial infarction and stroke.
METHODS
Data from 337 elderly people (159 participated and 178 non-participated) at senior centers in Jeju-si were collected by 1 to 1 interview from January to March 2012, one year after the education program provided. Two stages of study were performed: Cross-sectional, case-control study on the level of knowledge about the warning signs and symptoms; and multivariate logistic regression to fine out predictors of optimal awareness.
RESULTS
No significant discrepancy of knowledge level between case and control group was found. The knowledge level as high as a surge was shown in both groups one year later. A surge of knowledge had been shown after the education provided in one month. The factors affecting the optimal level of knowledge were education (Odds ratio 3.01; Confidence Interval 1.72-5.26; P-value <0.001) and 7 days of watching TV news per week (2.97; 1.68-5.23; P<0.001). However, participation in the health education was not significant (1.60; 0.98-2.61; P=0.059).
CONCLUSIONS
The effects of a targeted program in high-risk groups for cardio-cerebrovascular disease are only guaranteed in the enhancement by a population-based mass-media education campaign.

Keyword

Acute myocardial infarction; Education; Program evaluation; Stroke; The aged

MeSH Terms

Aged
Case-Control Studies
Education
Health Education
Humans
Logistic Models
Myocardial Infarction*
Program Evaluation
Senior Centers*
Stroke*