Validation of the Gujarati and Hindi Versions of Modified Falls Efficacy Scale

Abstract

Background: Frail, old patients with and without cognitive impairment are at high risk of falls and associated medical and psychosocial issues. The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) was developed to assess fear of falling and it is shown to be a reliable and valid measure of falls self-efficacy in western countries. The lack of adequate, validated instruments has partly hindered research in this field. Methodology: The 'forward-backward' translation procedure was applied to translate the MFES into Hindi and Gujarati. Harmonization was done by expert panel review and pilot testing over 10 subjects. The questionnaires were then finalized.98 participants (70-Gujarati MFES; 28-Hindi MFES), meeting inclusion-exclusion criteria and willing to participate were included in the study. Interview regarding general health and fall history was taken. Gujarati MFES and Hindi MFES data were collected and Berg Balance Scale was performed. Results: The analysis of internal validity of the Gujarati and Hindi MFES revealed that the scale items presented adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: Gujarati MFES-0.993, Hindi MFES-0.992).The Gujarati MFES showed strong positive correlation with BBS (r=0.820, P value=0.000) and a strong negative correlation with age (r=-0.351, P value=0.003). The Hindi MFES showed a moderate positive correlation with BBS (r=0.565, P value=0.002) and a weak negative correlation with age (r=-0.297, P value= 0.125). Conclusion: The Gujarati version of MFES is a valid and measure to estimate fall-related efficacy in older adults who have Gujarati as their first language. The Hindi version of MFES shall have its validity established with a larger sample size.

The Turkish version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES): the reliability and validity from the viewpoint of balance

“…Harding et al proposed that due to this feature, researchers and clinicians should use the MFES as an alternative instrument instead of the FES, especially for outdoor activities of communitydwelling older people [20]. Different versions of the MFES have been developed in various languages [6,14,21] and were used in rehabilitation research and clinical trials [2,3,22,23]. To the best of our knowledge, no specific Turkish adapted instrument for fall-related self-efficacy including outdoor activities has previously been analyzed from the viewpoint of balance in the elderly.…”

Effect of Yoga versus Light Exercise to Improve Well-Being and Promote Healthy Aging among Older Adults in Central India: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The Berg balance scale, a 14-item objective measure that assesses static balance and fall risks in adults [57][58][59] and modified falls efficacy scale (MFES) [60,61], a 14-item activity questionnaire, which assesses the fear of falling among older adults in various indoor and outdoor activity, will be used to measure mobility and falls. • Self-reported depression will be measured using the geriatric depression scale (GDS), which is a 30-item screening instrument for older adults [62,63].…”