Effects of a Problem-Based Learning Program on Health Education for Elders

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study was to analyze the effects of a health education program using problem-based learning on health related knowledge, behavior, and quality of life in elderly people. METHODS: The participants included 44 elders, of whom 23 took the health education program and 21 did not. All participants were over 60 yr of age and were selected from residents of nursing homes or participants in activities of social welfare facilities in Jeju Province. Elders in both groups completed pre- and post-tests. Elders in the education group participated in 5 weekly sessions, 100-120 min/session of problem-based learning on health education. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 12.0. RESULTS: Scores for health knowledge, health behavior, and quality of life for the education group were significantly higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: A problem-based learning health education program can be recommended as a method to promote the health of the elders. Indirectly, the results seem to indicate that proper assessment and support should be provided simultaneously in the management of elders' health. Finally, future study is needed to examine whether problem-based learning is more helpful compared to traditional education.