Fall prevention practices among nurses and the factors that influence them: a Hungarian study

Abstract

Introduction: Nurse activities play an important role in the prevention of falls in old age, both in home care and institutional care. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate nurses’ falls prevention practices and the factors influencing them. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between December 1, 2022, and February 16, 2023, using a self-designed questionnaire that included a knowledge test of falling and an attitude scale related to falling. Results: 442 nurses working in health or social care in Csongrád-Csanád county, Hungary, participated in the survey. Significant differences in fall prevention practices were found by sex (p = 0.03), age (p = 0.02), work experience (p = 0.03), fall experience (p = 0.001), information received at work (p < 0.001), presence of a risk assessment scale (p < 0.001), and presence of a fall prevention protocol (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were detected between practical activity and attitude (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), and knowledge and attitude (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Nurses’ fall prevention activities were significantly influenced by their attitudes towards falls (β = 0.43, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study highlights the need to improve fall prevention practice with the help of further education and case discussions. This may improve attitudes and communication within the team regarding fall prevention.