Residential Injury Research Projects

Preventing Falls Through Enhanced Pharmaceutical Care

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults in the U.S. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based falls prevention program delivered by community pharmacists using a randomized controlled clinical trial. The primary study endpoints are: 1) time to first fall; and 2) the proportion of individuals who fall during the one-year follow-up period. The target population is community-dwelling older adults (age 65+) at high risk for falls. Individuals in the intervention group receive an in-depth consultation concerning their current medications that is conducted by a community pharmacist. All subjects receive brief written information concerning falls prevention and are followed for at least one year through monthly collection of fall data and quarterly collection of medication data. Recruitment of subjects was completed in 2007. One manuscript was prepared based on the methodology. Other manuscripts are planned for 2008.

Key Personnel:

Susan J. Blalock, MPH, PhD (PI); Mary Roth, MHS, PharmD; Stefanie Ferreri, PharmD; Carri Casteel, MPH, PhD; Karen Demby, PhD; Cathleen Colón-Emeric, MD, EHSc; Joseph T. Hanlon, PhD; Carol Hogue, PhD

Other Organizations or Institutions Represented:

Duke University Medical Center, University of Minnesota, University of Pittsburgh

Funding:

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Contact:

Susan J. Blalock, MPH, PhD

s_blalock@unc.edu

Seniors’ Perceptions of Using Hip Protectors to Reduce Fracture Risk

Of the many types of injuries that can result from a fall, hip fracture is the most serious. Hip protectors have been used to reduce hip fracture in older adults living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Few studies have assessed whether community dwelling adults would choose to wear hip protectors for the protection they provide. Using methods informed by the theory of planned behavior, a series of three pilot studies were conducted to identify factors that contribute to older adult adherence to wearing hip protectors. One involved a focus group of adults 65 and older to identify behavioral, normative, and control beliefs associated with hip protector use. The second involved individual interviews to complement data obtained via the focus group. Data from both studies were used to develop a theory of planned behavior questionnaire to assess individual’s attitudes toward using hip protectors. During a third pilot study, participants wore hip protectors and gave their opinions on factors such as fit, style, and perceived protection. Data collection for the three pilot studies was completed and a report prepared for the CDC. This project is in the phase of manuscript preparation.

Key Personnel:

Susan J. Blalock, MPH, PhD (PI); Karen McCulloch, PhD, PT; Karen Demby, PhD; Judith Stevens, PhD

Other Organizations or Institutions Represented:

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Funding:

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Contact:

Susan J. Blalock, MPH, PhD

s_blalock@unc.edu

Very little is known about the risks of injury to disabled people in the home environment. With increasing emphasis on promoting independence among individuals with disabilities, it is important to assess the injury burden in the home and the activities leading up to the injury event to educate the public and provide evidence for intervention. This study examines the risk of unintentional, nonfatal home injury among a nationally representative sample of disabled adults in the U.S. It is hypothesized that adults with functional and psychological limitations have a higher risk of unintentional, nonfatal home injuries than adults with no limitations. The study sample, identified from the National Health Interview Survey between 2004 and 2006, includes 4,261 adults aged 18 and older who experienced a nonfatal, unintentional injury (2,189 of this sample sustained an injury directly inside or outside the home). This study is in the phase of data analysis and manuscript preparation.

Key personnel:

Carol W. Runyan, MPH, PhD (PI); Carri Casteel, MPH, PhD; Catherine Vladutiu, MPH

Other Organizations or Institutions Represented:

None

Funding:

Home Safety Council

Contact person:

Carol W. Runyan, MPH, PhD

carol_runyan@unc.edu