Date of Degree

5-2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program

Education

Advisor

Judith Beauford

Advisor

David Moffett

Advisor

Jennifer Cook

Advisor

Wanda Sparks

Abstract

Older adults are within the fastest population growth rate in the United States, and as the population ages, the potential for falls increases (DHHS, 2011). This was a mixed-method explanatory study that investigated the perceptions of older adults regarding the usefulness, adequacy, and positive experience of fall information among older adults living in the community when received from healthcare professionals during physician’s office visits. The research questions were: 1. What is the relationship among perceptions of usefulness, adequacy, and positive experience of fall information among older adults? 2. Is there a difference in the perceptions of usefulness and adequacy among older adults who receive fall information in a positive manner and those who receive fall information in a negative manner? 3. Is there a difference in the perceptions of useful and adequacy of fall prevention information between older adults who live alone and those who live with someone? The results to question 1 were that there were strong positive significant correlations. The results to question 2 were that the null hypothesis was rejected. There is evidence to assume that those who received fall prevention information in a positive manner reported it to be more useful and adequate. The results to question 3 were that there was not enough evidence to reject the hypothesis of no difference in the perceptions of usefulness or adequacy of fall prevention information among participants who live alone and those who live with someone. The qualitative questions were: 1. Tell me a little more about what you need from healthcare providers regarding fall prevention information. 2. Tell me what you think healthcare providers should be discussing with older adults regarding fall prevention. 3. Tell me a little bit more what you feel would be beneficial to you in terms of fall prevention information. 4. Tell me about your experience of getting fall prevention information at a doctor’s office. The analyses of the open-ended data were repetitive themes expressed by the participants. The analyses of the closed-ended questions were confirming statements of the same themes found in the closed-ended interviews.

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