Utility of Service-Learning as a tool for the application of Fundamentals of Public Health in the elderly community
Abstract
Introduction: Elderly are making more use of health services and exhibit a high consumption of medicines. This is associated with a difficulty in treatment compliance and with a greater risk of adverse reactions. The aim of this project is to evaluate the knowledge and handling of medicines in a group of elderly community centers.
Material and methods: This study is part of a Learning and Service Project (LSP) between the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and Coslada Town Council. The students designed and elaborated a survey of 32 items and interviewed the elderly volunteers (N=366) during the period of Nov-Dec (2019). After collecting the information, a descriptive analysis stratified by sex was carried out.
Results: The average age of participants was 70.7 years, with a majority of women (70.2%). More than two thirds perceived their quality of life to be between very good and good, with this perception being slightly higher in women. Participants take an average of 3.4 medicines and 10% forgot medication intake. Even though most of them are independent and autonomous when it comes to taking their medication, 38% use a reminder method.
Conclusion: The group of elderly people in Coslada stands out for its highly perceived quality of life and knowledge of their therapeutic management. The LSP is a unique opportunity to directly extrapolate the knowledge of Public Health to a reality and social need.
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