Background: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physical and cognitive functions, increasing the likelihood of age-related diseases and complications such as balance disorders and falls. Falls among the elderly represent a major public health concern due to their significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a health intervention program on improving balance disorders and preventing falls among the elderly. Study Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in two outpatient clinics (Ear, Nose, and Throat and Internal Medicine) at El Salam Hospital, Port Said City. Sample: A purposive sample of elderly participants was recruited. Tools: Data were collected using three tools: (1) an interviewing questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and elderly knowledge regarding balance disorders and fall prevention; (2) the Berg Balance Scale; and (3) the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model. Results: Post-intervention, 76.6% of the elderly achieved satisfactory total knowledge scores, compared to 23.4% with unsatisfactory knowledge. Regarding balance performance, 58.4% demonstrated acceptable balance on the Berg Balance Scale post-intervention. According to the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model, 32.5% of participants were classified as having no fall risk, while 67.5% remained at high risk. Overall, there was a statistically significant improvement in elderly knowledge and balance performance following the intervention program. Conclusion: The health intervention program effectively enhanced the elderly’s knowledge and balance practices, contributing to reduced fall risk. Recommendations: Continuous health education on fall prevention measures and the regular performance of balance exercises are strongly recommended to sustain and improve elderly functional independence.
Abdelkhalik et al. (Wed,) studied this question.