Fear of falling

Abstract

Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant health problem that can be present in the elderly, both in those that had experienced falling and in those that hadn`t. The aim of the study was to establish correlation of FOF with the following characteristics of the participants: sex, age, education, marital status and the number of falls in the previous year. Performed from October to December 2014, the research included 100 participants from general population older than 65 and covered by health visiting service of Dom Zdravlja Nis. The questionnaire for assessment of FOF -Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and the epidemiological questionnaire were used in all participants. We established that there is statistically significant difference of FES values (hi-kvadrat=7.668, p<0.05) between different age groups. It was found that median value of FES questionnaire is statistically significantly higher in participants living as singles in relation to those living in a community (U=828.0, p<0.05). There is satistically significant medium correlation between FES values and the number of falls in the previous year (r=0.661, p<0.01). This research established that FOF is associated with age and the number of falls in the previous year, that implies the need for prevention of FOF, especially in elder people and in people that experienced one or more falls. Implementation of prevention is also important in people living alone because FOF is excessive in their case.

Fear of Falling and Balance Confidence in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

“…In this cross-sectional study, the FOF and low balance confidence in diabetic older adults were more common than the non-diabetic group. Diabetic older adults also had the poorest performance in the TUG test and reported a greater number of falls during the last 12 months; therefore, it seems that fall-related psychological concerns are related to the mobility limitations and experiencing more number of falls [4,6]. It has been reported that higher FOF severity is probably associated with low balance [12,28,29], and balance confidence mediates the relationship between FOF, poor balance performance, and physical function [20,29].…”

“…The ABC-P6 questionnaire can be used to predict and continue planning to reduce the risk of falling and finally help reduce the FOF; according to previous studies, people with a history of previous falls report more FOF. Therefore, by reducing the risk of falling and the number of falls, the FOF in the elderly at risk of falling can be reduced [6,32].…”

“…The fall-related psychological concerns have been reported in both fallers and non-fallers and can cause more limitation than a fall itself [4]; The FOF and loss of balance confidence can lead to self-imposed postural instability, activity limitation, and consequently social isolation. The FOF is defined as reduced selfefficacy at avoiding falls [5,6], and balance confidence is defined as individuals' belief in the ability to maintain balance while performing daily living activities [4,7], which is the best indicator for identifying individuals at risk of falling [4].…”