Use of an interactive trivia game to increase knowledge and awareness of appropriate antibiotic use in community-dwelling older adults: a pilot survey

Objective To assess change in knowledge and awareness of upper respiratory-tract infections (URTIs), and appropriate antibiotic use in community-dwelling older adults. Design Single group, pre- and post-test study. Setting Two independent senior living communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland. Participants Older adults eligible to receive housing or other social services as defined by the study sites. Intervention Use of an interactive trivia game to educate older adults about URTIs. A 15-item pre- and postsurvey was administered to assess change in knowledge. Outcome measures Average change in pre- and postsurvey scores. Results Thirty-two seniors participated in the game intervention, with 18 completing both surveys. There was no significant difference in the total mean pre- versus postsurvey scores. Average scores of pre- and postsurveys were 9.28 and 9.17, respectively, out of 15 points (95% confidence interval 0.65 +/- 1.414; P = 0.76). Upon review of individual survey questions, two specific areas showed a significant improvement on postsurvey scores compared with baseline. Participants showed significant improvement, however, in knowledge regarding symptoms that may require the use of an antibiotic (P = 0.02) and symptomatic management of URTI symptoms (P = 0.045). Conclusions Based on survey results, we learned more about older adults' knowledge regarding URTIs, antibiotic use, and strategies to provide education to community-dwelling geriatric adults. The game was effective in teaching older adults about symptom management and symptoms that may require an antibiotic.