Authors : Dr. Arun Murugan S; Dr. Sathish Kumar; Dr. Pavithra Gnanavel; Dr. Gayathri Harikumar; Dr. Brenda Jovish; Dr. Yashna Samyuktha. L; Dr. Aswin Samyuktha. L; Dr. Chandra Prakash. S. M; Dr. Vasanthalakshmi. S; Dr. Melvin Anto

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ms73vuxw

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may2155

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background Physical activity is criticalfor healthy aging, yet many elderly individuals remain sedentary, increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Health education interventions can enhance knowledge, attitude, and practice (kap) regarding physical activity among the geriatric population.  Objective To evaluate the effect of a health education program on KAP regarding physical activity among elderly patients aged 60–80 years attending the Urban Health Training Centre, Pudupet UPHC, and Chennai.  Methods A quasiexperimental before and after study was conducted from September to October 2022 at the Urban Health Training Centre, Pudupet UPHC, Chennai. The study included 32 elderly participants aged 60–80 years, recruited through convenience sampling. Exclusion criteria included cardiovascular diseases, chronic debilitating conditions, or physical disabilities requiring caretaker assistance. A 3 week health education intervention involved lectures (Week 1), videos/pictures (Week 2), and demonstrations (Week 3). Baseline and post intervention KAP data were collected using a pre tested, semi structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20, with paired t tests, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and McNemar’s tests (p < 0.05).  Results The mean knowledge score increased from 12.5 ± 2.3 to 18.2 ± 1.8 (p < 0.001), attitude score from 2.8 ± 0.9 to 4.2 ± 0.6 (p < 0.001), and practice score from 10.3 ± 2.1 to 15.7 ± 1.9 (p < 0.001). The proportion of participants correctly identifying the recommended duration of moderate intensity physical activity rose from 25% to 85%. Engagement in moderate physical activity (≥30 minutes/day) increased from 20% to 65% (p < 0.001). Wilcoxon signed rank tests confirmed significant improvements (Z = -4.957 for knowledge, -4.940 for attitude, -4.472 for practice, p < 0.001). Conclusion The health education program significantly improved KAP regarding physical activity among the geriatric population, supporting the integration of such interventions into routine geriatric care to promote healthy aging.

Keywords : Health Education, Physical Activity, Geriatric Population, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Chennai.

References :

1. Conn VS, Hafdahl AR, Brown SA, Brown LM. Meta analysis of patient education interventions to increase physical activity among chronically ill adults. Patient Educ Couns. 2008;70(2):157–72.
2. Chase JA. Physical activity interventions among older adults: a literature review. Res Theory Nurs Pract. 2013;27(1):53–80.
3. Choudhary, Pathak, Manickam, Purohit, Rajasekhar, Dhoble, et al. Effect of Yoga versus Light Exercise to Improve WellBeing and Promote Healthy Aging among Older Adults in Central India: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Geriatrics. 2019;4:64.
4. de Bruijn RFAG, Schrijvers EMC, de Groot KA, et al. The association between physical activity and dementia in an elderly population: the Rotterdam Study. Eur J Epidemiol. 2013;28:277–83.
5. Motl RW, Konopack JF, McAuley E, et al. Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: Long Term Reduction After a Physical Activity Intervention. J Behav Med. 2005;28:385.
6. Holfeld B, Ruthig JC. A longitudinal examination of sleep quality and physical activity in older adults. J Appl Gerontol. 2014;33(7):791–807.
7. World Health Organization. Global recommendations on physical activity for health. Geneva: WHO; 2010.
8. Sallis JF, Owen N, Fisher EB. Ecological models of health behavior. In: Glanz K, Rimer BK, Viswanath K, editors. Health behavior and health education: theory, research, and practice. 4th ed. San Francisco: JosseyBass; 2008. p. 465–85.
9. King AC, Rejeski WJ, Buchner DM. Physical activity interventions targeting older adults: a critical review and recommendations. Am J Prev Med. 1998;15(4):316–33.
10. Taylor AH, Cable NT, Faulkner G, Hillsdon M, Narici M, Van Der Bij AK. Physical activity and older adults: a review of health benefits and the effectiveness of interventions. J Sports Sci. 2004;22(8):703–25.