title: [Evaluation of a community program to reduce isolation in older people due to architectural barriers].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Social isolation impairs health. An intervention to reduce isolation due to architectural barriers in elderly persons was carried out in Barcelona (Spain). This study aimed to evaluate its effects on health.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a quasi-experimental before-after study. Isolated older people were identified in three deprived urban areas from 2009 to 2011. Participants had twice-weekly outings with volunteers in a stair-climbing power wheelchair. User satisfaction was evaluated and perceived health status, quality of life, and mental health before and after four outings were compared with McNemar tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 74 participants (median age: 83 years; IQR: 78-89). Perceived health improved by 21%, mental health by 24%, and psychological distress was reduced by 16%. Most participants (98%) were satisfied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intervention improved perceived health and mental health. Elderly people with impaired mobility should not live in buildings with architectural barriers and, if this cannot be avoided, similar programs should be implemented.
authors.affiliation: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, España; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: ediez@aspb.es.
authors.forename: Elia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Díez
authors.affiliation: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Ferran
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Daban
authors.affiliation: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, España; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Maribel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pasarín
authors.affiliation: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, España; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Lucía
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Artazcoz
authors.affiliation: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España; Fundació Tot Raval, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fuertes
authors.affiliation: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, España; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: M José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: López
authors.affiliation: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Núria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Calzada
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012934:Social Isolation
keywords: Accesibilidad; Accessibility; Aged; Aislamiento social; Community health services; Health promotion; Intervención comunitaria; Mayores; Promoción de la salud; Social isolation