Prevention of Heat Stroke Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Effect of an Awareness Program

Abstract

Introduction: Heat stroke (HS) is a severe heat illness that results in a body temperature greater than 40.0°C. Heat intensity among older adults is life-threatening because of potential complications such as epileptic fits or renal failure. Older adults are especially vulnerable to develop HS rather than any age group related to normal age-related changes. A im: To determine the effect of the awareness program on knowledge, perception and practice of community-dwelling older adults regarding HS prevention. Research design: A quasi experimental pre-post-test design was used. Setting : The study was carried out at Al Sabeen Fadan primary health care center in Al Moquattam zone, Cairo governorate, Egypt. Sampling: A convenience sample of 112 community-dwelling older adults - out of the center attendees-were included in the present study. Tools : Five tools were used: 1-socio-demographic characteristics and clinical data of community-dwelling older adults' Structured Interview Schedule Questionnaire Form, 2-Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), 3-Pre-Post knowledge assessment questionnaire, 4- pre-post perception assessment questionnaire and 5-pre-post practice assessment questionnaire. Results: 69.6% of the older adults improved their knowledge regarding indoor & outdoor preventive measures to reduce the risk of HS and 64.3% regarding the first aid & management measures of suspected HS victims. There is a development in the positive perception regarding the prevention of HS through the post-test, which developed to 80.4%. In addition to improvement of the older adults' total adequate practices regarding the prevention of HS through the post-test (89.3%) with a highly statistical significant difference p= 0.001. Conclusion : The conducted awareness program proved a significant positive impact on knowledge, perception and practices among community-dwelling older adults regarding the prevention of HS. Recommendation : HS awareness programs can be conducted at other governorates among community-dwelling older adults and then can be generalized at allover Egypt governorates to save this vulnerable age group from HS.