A HEALTH INTERVENTION PROGRAM TO IMPROVE BALANCE DISORDERS AND PREVENT FALLS FOR THE ELDERLY

Abstract Background: Aging is associated with a reduction in both physical and cognitive functions of the human body, which also involves the likeliness in the occurrence of age related diseases. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the effect of health intervention program to improve balance disorders and prevent falls for elderly Study Design: A quasi experimental design was used in this study. Setting: This study conducted in two outpatient clinics(Ear, nose, throat and Internal medicine) at Elsalam hospital, Port Said City. Sample: A purposive sample was used in this study. Tools: three tools were used: interviewing questionnaire include: demographic characteristic, elderlys' knowledge regarding balance disorders and falls prevention. Berg Balance Scale. Hendrich II Fall Risk Model. Results: 23.4% of elderly had unsatisfactory total knowledge post intervention program while 76.6 of them had satisfactory total knowledge post intervention program. Related to elderly reported practices about Berg balance scale, about 58.4 % of elderly post intervetion program had acceptable balance performance, 32.5% of elderly had no risk of fall post intervention program and 67.5% had high risk of fall post intervention program. Conclusion: There was a marked improvement in elderly's total knowledge about balance disorders and fall prevention post intervention program than pre intervention program. Additionally, there was statistically significant improvement in elderly’s total reported practices as standing unsupported post intervention program in berg balance scale and minority of elderly had no risk for fall post intervention program in hendrich II fall risk model. Recommendations: Continuous health educational program for elderly about fall prevention measures and perform balance exercise regularly. Keywords: Balance Disorders, Berg Balance Scale, Elderly, Hendrich II Fall Risk Mode