EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON SELF-CARE NEEDS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN A LOW-INCOME SETTING: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: The elderly population is rapidly increasing, particularly in low-income settings where self-care capabilities are often compromised. This study evaluates the impact of a nurse-led educational intervention on the self-care needs of elderly individuals in Igbo-Eze South, Nigeria.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 167 elderly participants aged 65 and above, divided into intervention (Nkalagu Obukpa, n=94) and control (Itchi, n=73) groups. The intervention group received a structured educational program over seven weeks, focusing on self-care activities, health literacy, and barriers to self-care. Data on self-care needs (met, unmet, and overall) were collected using the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE) and analyzed using independent and paired t-tests at α = 0.05.

Results: Pre-intervention assessments indicated significant self-care needs in both groups, particularly in financial and physical health areas. Post-intervention, the intervention group showed a notable reduction in unmet needs (1.00 ± 2.50) compared to the control group (0.79 ± 1.83), with p < 0.001. The overall level of self-care needs decreased from 6.05 ± 2.89 pre-intervention to 4.37 ± 3.70 post-intervention in the intervention group. In contrast, the control group showed negligible change in overall needs (4.62 ± 3.37 to 4.21 ± 3.52).

Conclusions: The educational intervention significantly improved self-care capabilities among elderly participants in a low-income setting, highlighting the effectiveness of community-based health education in enhancing elderly care.