Understanding the implementation and sustainability needs of evidence-based programs for racial and ethnic minoritized older adults in under-resourced communities with limited aging services
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Evidence-based programs (EBPs) for older adults effectively improve health outcomes. However, there is a limited understanding of the unique needs of service providers as they consider adopting, implementing, and maintaining programs for older minority adults in low-income communities with limited aging services. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants of community-based organizations (CBOs) to understand implementation and sustainability needs of CBOs within four racial and ethnically diverse Los Angeles County geographic areas. We performed thematic analysis of interview transcripts. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with representatives from 25 senior-serving agencies providing aging-related EBPs. CBO representatives reported implementing EBPs in 8 domains: Falls Prevention (68%), Mental Health (64%), Caregiver Health (48%), Chronic Disease Management (48%), Diabetes Management (36%), Arthritis Management (28%), Physical Activity (24%), and Multiple Conditions Management (8%). Themes are presented using the six domains of the Bass and Judge framework for factors impacting successful and sustained EBP implementation. CBOs in low-income and diverse communities described unique challenges with tailoring interventions based on local community context (literacy, language), cultural context, and locally available resources (technology, safe community spaces, transportation) and faced resource-intensive administrative burdens through staff turnover, data collection, sustainable funding, and networking. CONCLUSIONS: Serving racial and ethnic communities has unique challenges that require tailored approaches and additional resources to ensure equitable access to EBPs for all communities. We describe suggestions for enhancing the effective adoption of EBPs among service agencies in under-resourced and diverse aging communities serving populations with aging-related health disparities.
Source: BMC Health Services Research
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Funders: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles
OpenAlex ID: W4394786260