Effect of a Group Intervention to Promote Older Adults’ Adjustment to Driving Cessation on Community Mobility: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: The UQDRIVE program, a group education and support program, was developed to meet the needs associated with driving cessation for older adults. The current study investigated the effect of the program on community mobility. Design and Methods: A prospective, parallel, stratified randomized controlled trial was undertaken with a waitlist control group receiving current clinical practice (no intervention). Data were collected pre, post, and 3 months following the intervention. Participants were adults aged 60 years or older who had ceased driving or planned to cease driving within 12 months. Results: A total of 131 participants were included in analyses (67 intervention, 64 control). Participating in the intervention was significantly associated with a higher number of episodes away from home per week at immediately postintervention (z = 2.56, p = .01). This was not significantly maintained at 3-month follow-up. Participation in the intervention also significantly predicted higher use of public transport at immediately postintervention (z = 2.12, p = .034), higher use of walking at immediately postintervention (z = 2.69, p = .007), increased aspects of community mobility self-efficacy (z = 3.81, p = .0001), and higher satisfaction with transport at 3-month follow-up (z = 2.07, p = .038). Implications: The program increased community mobility immediately postintervention and transport satisfaction at 3 months postintervention. Due to a high attrition rate, further research is required to clarify the long-term impact of the intervention.