An Overview of Applying Health Promotion Measures in Some of Elderly Homes in Cairo, Egypt

Moatassem S. Amer; Shereen M. Mousa; Mohammed A. Amrousy; Sara M. Abd El Kareem

Volume : VI, Issue : III, March - 2016

An Overview of Applying Health Promotion Measures in Some of Elderly Homes in Cairo, Egypt

Moatassem S. Amer, Shereen M. Mousa, Mohammed A. Amrousy, Sara M. Abd El Kareem

Abstract :

BACKGOUND & OBJECTIVES: Elderly home residents are one of the most vulnerable population to chronic illnesses and multiple co–morbidities; this vulnerability makes application of health promotion measures to them crucial, yet little is known about health promotion measures in these homes in Cairo, Egypt. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of applying health promotion measures among elderly home residents in Cairo, Egypt. SUJECTS & METHODS: Cross sectional study recruited 350 elderly residents. The collected data included queries regarding healthy life style counseling, immunization, cancer and medical diseases screening. Geriatric health issues screening (cognitive impairment, depression, urinary incontinence, and falls). RESULTS: The most prevalent health promotion measure applied among elderly home residents in Cairo is: chemoprophylaxis. The least applied is cancer screening. DISCUSSION: The lack of health promotion measures in elderly homes reflects a major gap in health services for older adults. One of the major causes is the inadequate number of skilled staff members to meet the needs of the residents whose families could not manage