www.injurymatters.org.au
The impact of peer education on older adults falls prevention behaviours
Roisin Sweeney - Injury Prevention Officer, Evidence & Practice
Co-authors: Catrina Wold, Juliana Summers and Rachel Meade
Injury Matters acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters throughout Western Australia and pays respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise the importance of continued connection to culture, country and community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan can be found at www.injurymatters.org.au
Artwork: “Standing Strong” by Nerolie Bynder Blurton
The Stay On Your Feet® program is provided by Injury Matters and funded by the Department of Health WA.
Peer Education
Improve older adults awareness, attitudes and knowledge of falls risk factors and
provide strategies to prevent falls.
awareness, attitudesand knowledge
strategies
The Stay On Your Feet® program is provided by Injury Matters and funded by the Department of Health WA.
Current delivery
Move Your Body
Make Your
Home Safer
Check Your Medicines
Move Improve Remove
Fuel Your Body
Evaluation Methods
Post survey
• Knowledge
• Motivation
Impact survey
• Behaviours changed
Results
2,366 attendees
723 post survey
responses
395 impact survey
responses
Move Your Body
Fuel Your Body
Check Your Medicines
Make Your Home Safer
Build Your Balance
766
702
408
405
85
Post Survey Results - Demographics
respondents identified themselves as of Aboriginal descent. 2
80% of respondents were female.
29
128
257
229
55
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Under 60 60 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 plus
Nu
mb
er o
f re
spo
nd
ents
Age group
Age of respondents
of respondents spoke English as their first language. 87%
Post Survey Results - Knowledge
83.3%
Agreed that falls are preventable
(n=602)
83.5%
Understood the risk factors for falls (n=604)
86.6%
Reported a better understanding of what they can do
to reduce their risk of having a
fall (n=626)
80.6%
Agreed that the information
provided was relevant to them
(n=583)
!
Post Survey Results – Motivation
88% were motivated to reduce their risk of having a fall (n=635)
Action Number of respondents
Being more active 222
Being more cautious 67
Removing hazards around the home 44
Eating a healthier diet 41
Consult a health professional 10
Wearing safer footwear 4
Consider medication consumption 3
Intended changes
Impact Survey Results – Behaviour Change
64% identified and removed hazards from their home
64% drunk an adequate amount of water
61% completed exercises to improve their balance
57% completed activities to keep their mind active
Moving forward
Modified post survey and follow up process.
Explore tailored presentations to different population groups.
Deliver Move Your Body, Improve Your Health and Remove Hazards presentations.
Conclusion
Peer education that is topic specific is an effective tool for increasing older adults falls prevention awareness, attitudes and knowledge.
Participants were more likely to change behaviours regarding their physical activity levels.
Participants reported minimal barriers to implementing falls prevention behaviours.
Injury Matters is able to continue to make a difference in the Western Australian community through funding
obtained from the state government, donations and income generated through our programs and services.
