Acceptability of intervention materials to decrease risk for alcohol and medication interactions among older adults

Faika Zanjani, Hannah Allen, Nancy Schoenberg, Catherine Martin, Richard Clayton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The majority of older adults take prescription or over-the-counter medications and about half consume alcohol regularly. Despite high risk for alcohol medication interactions (AMI), few community-level interventions exist to prevent AMI. The current study assessed the acceptability of educational materials created for use in a brief intervention to prevent AMI among older adults. Methods Older adults from two senior centers reviewed intervention materials (poster, patient and pharmacist brochures, and public service announcement) and participated in a pre and post-test to provide feedback and to assess changes in AMI-related awareness and intentions. Results Post-test data showed positive feedback and an increase in participant understanding of AMI prevention, with statistically significant changes in perceived importance of messaging surrounding risky alcohol use and potential consequences of AMI. Discussion The intervention materials were positively received, and participant feedback indicated that the collective presentation of all the materials was the most preferred tool for educating the community. With positive trends in awareness and knowledge, intervention effectiveness needs to be further evaluated in future large-scale studies. Lessons Learned This study provides health education specialists with tools to prevent alcohol and medication interactions among older adults.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160-166
Number of pages7
JournalEvaluation and Program Planning
Volume67
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Alcohol and medication interactions
  • Community intervention
  • Older adults

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Social Psychology
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Strategy and Management
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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