Clinical Studies

The Institute on Aging Research Center, founded in 1988, links the research, clinical, and health service experts of Institute on Aging and the University of California, San Francisco. This partnership of academic excellence with clinical and research expertise creates the foundation for interdisciplinary applied research in health care, community-based participatory research, and program evaluation. The Center also works in partnership with the health care industry to conduct rigorous clinical trials on new treatments for a variety of illnesses and diseases.

Research studies at the Center focus on issues of practical importance to the health and well-being of elders. Our work seeks to develop interventions that enhance independence and functional ability.

We emphasize conducting research and program evaluation that can be directly translated into improving the day-to-day lives of older adults. This approach, combined with the expertise and experience of our faculty, provides a unique contribution to the community.

Recent Studies

Adult Day Health Center Participation and Health-Related Quality of Life
Abstract below.
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Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between Adult Day Health Center (ADHC) participation and health-related quality of life.

Design and Methods

Case-controlled prospective study utilizing the Medical Outcomes Survey Form 36 (SF-36) to compare newly enrolled participants from 16 ADHC programs with comparable community-dwelling older adults who did not attend an ADHC. Assessments were conducted at study enrollment, 6 and 12 months.

Results

ADHC participants (n = 57) and comparison group subjects (n = 67) were similar at baseline in age, ethnic diversity, medical conditions, depression, cognition, immigration history, education, income, and marital status. Significantly more comparison group subjects lived alone (p = .002). One year after enrollment, the SF-36 domains role physical and role emotional improved significantly. Adjusted role physical scores for ADHC participants improved (23 vs. 36) but declined for the comparison group (38 vs. 26, time by group interaction p = .01), and role emotional scores improved for ADHC participants (62 vs.70) but declined for the comparison group (65 vs. 48, time by group interaction p = .02). Secondary analyses revealed that changes in daily physical functioning, depressed affect, or cognitive functioning did not explain the improvements found in role physical and role emotional scores for ADHC participants. No significant differences in trends for the 2 groups occurred for the SF-36 domains physical functioning, social functioning, and mental health.

Implications

ADHC participation may enhance older adults’ quality of life. Quality of life may be a key measure to inform care planning, program improvement, and policy development of ADHC.