Evaluation of a peer educator stroke education program for the elderly

Abstract

This paper reports on outcome and process evaluation of a stroke risk factor education program in a senior citizens' center using elderly peer facilitators. The two-phase program included training sessions for Peer Facilitators (PFs), and a period of both formal and informal education in the senior center and community. Outcome evaluation assessed knowledge of stroke and stroke risk factors in the PFs and center population, and the extent to which PFs provided health information, direct assistance and emotional and moral support for positive health behaviors. Knowledge scores for PFs and experimental center members were compared with those at another center without a program, and PF activities were assessed using simple logs kept by the PFs for twelve weeks. Process evaluation provided additional information about experiences with various components of the program and qualitative information related to program effectiveness. Findings for both outcome and process evaluations indicated that the Peer Facilitator Program was successful in training elderly laypersons to carry out health education, increasing knowledge at the program center, and facilitating information and advice for stroke risk reduction.