{"title":"Integrating sensory assessments in preventive home visits: a cross-sectional study of the Faroe Islands.","authors":"Haanes Gro Gade, Tor Martin Kvikstad, Ása Roin","doi":"10.1080/22423982.2024.2442153","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Sensory impairments, including hearing and vision loss, are common in older adults and can affect quality of life. This study examines the integration of hearing and vision assessments in preventive home visits (PHVs) for older adults in the Faroe Islands, comparing outcomes between urban and rural settings.<b>Aim:</b> To evaluate the feasibility of including sensory assessments in PHVs and compare sensory measurements between Tórshavn (urban) and rural districts.<b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study with 175 participants aged 76 was conducted in Tórshavn and five rural areas. Data included demographics, self-assessments, and clinical evaluations using standardized tools.<b>Results:</b> Visual impairments were slightly more prevalent in rural areas, while hearing impairments showed no significant differences. Discrepancies between self-reported and measured impairments emphasized the importance of objective assessments. Sensory acreenings during PHVs improved early detection and highlighted inequities in access to specialized services.<b>Conclusion:</b> Integrating sensory assessments in PHVs is feasible and beneficial, adressing disparities between urban and rural areas. These screenings support equitable healthcare and early intervention, promoting better quality of life for older adults across diverse settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":13930,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Circumpolar Health","volume":"84 1","pages":"2442153"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Circumpolar Health","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2024.2442153","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2024/12/19 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Sensory impairments, including hearing and vision loss, are common in older adults and can affect quality of life. This study examines the integration of hearing and vision assessments in preventive home visits (PHVs) for older adults in the Faroe Islands, comparing outcomes between urban and rural settings.Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of including sensory assessments in PHVs and compare sensory measurements between Tórshavn (urban) and rural districts.Methods: A cross-sectional study with 175 participants aged 76 was conducted in Tórshavn and five rural areas. Data included demographics, self-assessments, and clinical evaluations using standardized tools.Results: Visual impairments were slightly more prevalent in rural areas, while hearing impairments showed no significant differences. Discrepancies between self-reported and measured impairments emphasized the importance of objective assessments. Sensory acreenings during PHVs improved early detection and highlighted inequities in access to specialized services.Conclusion: Integrating sensory assessments in PHVs is feasible and beneficial, adressing disparities between urban and rural areas. These screenings support equitable healthcare and early intervention, promoting better quality of life for older adults across diverse settings.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Circumpolar Health is published by Taylor & Francis on behalf of the Circumpolar Health Research Network [CircHNet]. The journal follows the tradition initiated by its predecessor, Arctic Medical Research. The journal specializes in circumpolar health. It provides a forum for many disciplines, including the biomedical sciences, social sciences, and humanities as they relate to human health in high latitude environments. The journal has a particular interest in the health of indigenous peoples. It is a vehicle for dissemination and exchange of knowledge among researchers, policy makers, practitioners, and those they serve.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health welcomes Original Research Articles, Review Articles, Short Communications, Book Reviews, Dissertation Summaries, History and Biography, Clinical Case Reports, Public Health Practice, Conference and Workshop Reports, and Letters to the Editor.