Promoting aging migrants’ capabilities: A randomized controlled trial concerning activities of daily living and self-rated health

Emmelie Barenfeld; Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff; Lars Wallin; Susanne Gustafsson; Emmelie Barenfeld; Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff; Lars Wallin; Susanne Gustafsson

doi:10.3934/publichealth.2018.2.173

AIMS Public Health

2018, Volume 5, Issue 2: 173-188. doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2018.2.173

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Research article

Promoting aging migrants’ capabilities: A randomized controlled trial concerning activities of daily living and self-rated health

1.
Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health—AgeCap, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
2.
Department of Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy, The Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
3.
School of Education, Health, and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
4.
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
5.
Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

Received: 14 March 2018 Accepted: 29 May 2018 Published: 12 June 2018

The aim was to evaluate the 6-month and 1-year effects of a person-centered group-based health-promoting intervention on independence in daily activities and self-rated health. The study was an RCT with follow-ups at 6 months and 1 year. A total of 131 independent living people (70+) who have migrated to Sweden from Finland or Western Balkan region were included. Participants were independent in activities of daily living and cognitively intact. They were randomized to an intervention group receiving four weekly group-meetings and a follow-up home visit, or a control group (no intervention). An overall chi-squared test was performed and the odds ratio calculated. A high proportion of the participants maintained independence in activities of daily living and improved or maintained self-rated health. However, no significant differences were found between the groups. The result indicates that the intervention was offered too early in the aging process to be able to detect effects. Methodological challenges were met during both the recruitment and implementation phases. In response to lessons learned, a multicenter design is recommended for future research in order to strengthen the findings. Furthermore, this study has contributed with experiences on both opportunities and challenges in terms of research with and about older people aging in the context of migration, as is discussed.
- health promotion,
- person-centeredness,
- emigrants and immigrants,
- aged,
- capability
Citation: Emmelie Barenfeld, Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff, Lars Wallin, Susanne Gustafsson. Promoting aging migrants’ capabilities: A randomized controlled trial concerning activities of daily living and self-rated health[J]. AIMS Public Health, 2018, 5(2): 173-188. doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2018.2.173

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Abstract

The aim was to evaluate the 6-month and 1-year effects of a person-centered group-based health-promoting intervention on independence in daily activities and self-rated health. The study was an RCT with follow-ups at 6 months and 1 year. A total of 131 independent living people (70+) who have migrated to Sweden from Finland or Western Balkan region were included. Participants were independent in activities of daily living and cognitively intact. They were randomized to an intervention group receiving four weekly group-meetings and a follow-up home visit, or a control group (no intervention). An overall chi-squared test was performed and the odds ratio calculated. A high proportion of the participants maintained independence in activities of daily living and improved or maintained self-rated health. However, no significant differences were found between the groups. The result indicates that the intervention was offered too early in the aging process to be able to detect effects. Methodological challenges were met during both the recruitment and implementation phases. In response to lessons learned, a multicenter design is recommended for future research in order to strengthen the findings. Furthermore, this study has contributed with experiences on both opportunities and challenges in terms of research with and about older people aging in the context of migration, as is discussed.

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