Environmental health perceptions among older adults in rural communities

Background: Environmental health impacts different populations according to related risk factors and behavioral patterns. Environmental factors which may impact older adults include: indoor air quality (asthma, carbon monoxide), injury prevention, food safety, and chemical exposure (from a variety of sources, including pharmaceuticals and cleaning products). This study intended to assess environmental health awareness in older adults in Southern Illinois based on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Methods: Following Internal Review Board approval of the study, approximately 250 respondents were recruited from a pool of healthy, active older adults who attend Senior Nutrition sites for noon meals at selected Senior Nutrition Sites (generally sponsored by community senior centers) in the lower 13 counties of Southern Illinois. Following a brief overview presentation, all attendees at the selected meal were given a folder of home safety materials and invited to participate in the survey. The 64-item survey included sections on Demographics, Knowledge, and Attitudes/Beliefs and attempted to understand the perceptions of older adults living in rural communities. Results: Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and ANOVA. Discussion/Summary: Results suggested areas within which older adults in rural communities may be at a health risk within their environment due to their perceptions of environmental health practices. Results .will be used to develop educational materials targeted to the needs of this population. Results will be shared with the senior centers via short newsletter articles to provide environmental health literacy.