journal articles
PREPARATION FOR HEALTHY AGEING: AN INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION FOR ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-EFFICACY IN INTRINSIC CAPACITY PRESERVATION, MIDLIFE CONDITION MANAGEMENT, AND CAREGIVING IN MIDLIFE WOMEN
Ruby Yu, Matthew Yu, Cecilia Tong, Florence Ho, Angel Hui, Emily Lui, Jean Woo
OBJECTIVES: Midlife women often experience concurrent declines in intrinsic capacity (IC) and increasing caregiving responsibilities. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed to enhance knowledge of IC preservation, self-care efficacy, and caregiving competencies among midlife women.
METHODS: The Pursuit of Wellness Program was developed and evaluated through a multicentre mixed methods study. This program comprised nine modules addressing IC domains (cognitive, vitality, psychological) and six modules focused on priority midlife conditions (e.g., urinary incontinence). Each module integrated health education, self care practices, and caregiving training. Program's effectiveness was assessed using a mixed methods evaluation. Outcomes included pre- and post-changes in domain- or condition-specific knowledge (summative score range: 0–3) and self-care efficacy (visual analogue scale: 0–10), post-intervention caregiving confidence (Likert scale: 1–5), and qualitative feedback from program coordinators.
RESULTS: A total of 690 women aged 50–64 years were assessed. Pre-tests revealed knowledge gaps in pain management, bladder health, and dementia care, with mean health knowledge scores ranging from 1.3–1.6. Post-intervention improvements were most significant for bladder health (+69.0%, p<0.001), followed by nutrition for muscle & bone health (+56.3%, p<0.001). Self efficacy increased significantly across all IC domains and midlife conditions (ps<0.01), while caregiving confidence reached from 68.7 to 89.3% agreement, highest for skin and bathing care (89.3%) and dementia support (86.3%). Qualitative findings from program coordinators (n=18) confirmed high participant engagement with nutrition strategies and stress management techniques, corroborating quantitative outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: The program significantly enhanced knowledge related to IC preservation and management of midlife conditions, self-care practices, and caregiving competencies among midlife women. It addresses a critical gap by concurrently promoting IC preservation and caregiving proficiency during the midlife transition.
CITATION:
Ruby Yu ; Matthew Yu ; Cecilia Tong ; Florence Ho ; Angel Hui ; Emily Lui ; Jean Woo (2026): Preparation for healthy ageing: An integrated educational intervention for enhancing knowledge and self-efficacy in intrinsic capacity preservation, midlife condition management, and caregiving in midlife women. The Journal of Frailty and Aging (JFA). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjfa.2025.100126