Older Adults’ Perceptions and Recommendations Regarding a Falls Prevention Self-Management Plan Template Based on the Health Belief Model: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. Self-management plans have been used in different contexts to promote healthy behaviors, but older adults’ perceptions of a falls prevention self-management plan template have not been investigated. Using mixed methods, we investigated older adults’ perceptions and recommendations of a falls prevention self-management plan template aligned with the Health Belief Model. Four focus groups (n = 27, average age 78 years) were conducted using semi-structured interview guides. Participants also ranked the written plan on paper with respect to each item by the level of importance, where item 1 was the most important, and 10 was the least important. Focus groups were transcribed and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated for item rankings. Older adults felt that the plan would raise awareness and help them to engage in falls prevention behaviors. Participants recommended adding graphics and using red to highlight the risk of falling. Participants opined that ranking the items by level of importance was challenging because they felt all items were important. ‘What might happen to me if I fall’ was ranked as the most important item (average 2.6), while ‘How will I monitor progress’ was the least important (average = 6.6). Considering that older adults need support to engage in falls prevention, future research should investigate the impact of implementing an individually tailored falls prevention self-management plan on older adults’ engagement in falls prevention behaviors and outcomes of falls and injuries.

Health Emergencies, Falls, and Use of Communication Technologies by Older People with Functional and Social Frailty: Ageing in Place in Deprived Areas of Italy

“…Falls in particular have often caused fractures (often femur) and generated some fears in our respondents, such as fear of falling in general/again. Several authors highlight falls as crucial cause of hip fractures [ 19 , 20 ]. Regarding the fear of falling, data from Epicentro [ 30 ] reveal that approximately 4 out of 10 seniors are afraid of falling, in particular 7 out of 10 of those who have already fallen.…”

“…These extreme solutions seem even a necessity when seniors believe/perceive that family/children cannot be of immediate help, and “do it yourself” represents the effective possibility allowing “not disturbing” anyone. In this respect, some authors specify that, in many cases, older people do not ask for help because they are convinced to have no need in this respect [ 95 ], especially seniors with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, often representing self-managed illnesses [ 20 , 101 ].…”

“…Falls result in hip/bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, damages to intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal organs, joint distortions and dislocations [ 14 ]. Often falling implies the need of visits in emergency department, also leading to higher mortality among seniors aged 65 years and over [ 19 , 20 ]. According to Bauer and Kisser [ 21 ], in Europe approximately 60% of non-fatal injuries of seniors occur at home, where more than 70% of all injuries are falls, the latter representing the major cause of unintentional deaths for older people.…”

Analysis and prevention of falls among community‐dwelling older adults in southern Thailand

“…However, it is important to note that nondisclosure of falls, even minor ones, may hinder the implementation of appropriate preventive interventions.In contrast, older adults demonstrate self-efficacy in fall prevention through active participation in community activities. In this respect,Vincenzo et al (2022) support the positive impact of selfcare practices, andStevens et al (2017) prioritize being careful while walking and maintaining a healthy body.…”

“…The current body of knowledge on falls among older adults has investigated various aspects, including the prevalence and risk factors (Aekplakorn et al., 2021; Ngamsangiam & Suttanon, 2020; Wu & Ouyang, 2017), perception of falls (Vincenzo et al., 2022) and stakeholder perspectives on fall prevention (Markle‐Reid et al., 2017; Mendoza‐Núñez et al., 2019). However, notable gaps in the existing literature must be addressed.…”