ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study examines the structure of the process that public health professionals (PHPs) use to organize preventive care groups for older adults and the elements that strengthen this process. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: The study was conducted using a quantitative descriptive design. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed by mail to 919 PHPs, including nurses and social workers employed by local governments in a Japanese prefecture, who facilitated recreational groups for older adults for the purposes of preventive care. Measures Items related to the process and the awareness of support were based on previous research. The process structure was examined using exploratory factor analysis, while multiple logistic regression analysis was used to study strengthening elements. RESULTS: The process yielded six factors (encouraging clarity with respect to the group's activity policy; creating connections with other resources; fostering independence; encouraging activity evaluation; creating relationships with group members; understanding the strengths and weaknesses of communities and individuals) with a total of 23 items. Two of three indicators of awareness of support were significantly related to the process. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the importance of strengthening elements might improve support groups for older adults.
