10 Fear of Falling in Community Dwelling Ambulatory Older Patients: Associations with Physiological Falls Risk, Cognition and Mood Disorders

Abstract

Introduction Fear of falling (FOF) is associated with a range of adverse healthoutcomes including increased risk of falls1, and more rapid declinein physical and cognitive function2. We aim to determine theprevalence of FOF amongst ambulatory community dwelling olderadults attending an Age-Related Day Hospital, and to describe it'sassociations with cognition, mood disorders, frailty and mobilitymeasures. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patientsattending the Day Hospital. Baseline demographics collectedinclude comorbidities, medications, and falls history. Objectivemobility measurements include the Timed Up and Go (TUG) testand grip strength. Patients were divided into two groups based ontheir answer to the question, “Are you afraid of falling?”Differences between groups were compared using chi-squaredtest. Results The average age of Day Hospital attendees was 85 (SD X). 62%were male. Three quarters of patients experienced a recent fall,and half admitted to FOF. Those with FOF were more likely to bedependent in personal care (27% vs 16%, p = 0.15) and use awalking aid (69% vs 58%, p = 0.02). They were also more likely to be prescribed psychoactive medications (53% vs 45%, p = 0.42),and have a diagnosis of anxiety (4% vs 0%, p = 0.03). Conclusions Both having a falls history and FOF is prevalent in our DayHospital population. FOF is associated with high physiological risk of falling, increased dependency, and anxiety. Standardization of mobility measures and potential screening for cognitive and mooddisorders in patients with FOF will aid in further development of targeted interventions.