Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults, with devastating impacts on individuals and healthcare systems. Despite extensive research on fall prevention, marginalized communities, such as aging African Americans (AAA), face persistent disparities in access to fall prevention care and resources.
Objective: This study seeks to investigate and address the specific fall prevention needs of AAA residents in Galveston.
Methods: This mixed-methods study combined quantitative data from livability assessments with in-depth focus group analyses. Community-dwelling African Americans > 50 years old who exhibited at least one risk factor for falls were invited to participate. Each participant (N=21) completed a livability scale assessment and then engaged in a focus group (n=7/group).
Results: Findings included profound challenges facing this marginalized population. Participants expressed deep frustration with resource limitations, feelings of abandonment by healthcare systems, and concerns about the quality of care received from student healthcare providers. Most critically, findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive preventative care as AAA grapple with declining balance and postural health.
Conclusion: This study underscores the pressing need to reduce healthcare disparities impacting minorities and establish sustainable, community-based fall prevention programs. Plans to introduce a transdisciplinary team approach to fall prevention could transform care delivery for this vulnerable population by integrating training and resources to improve the physical and mental well-being of the community. This novel holistic, person and community-centered strategy would enhance occupational well-being and the overall quality of life.