Determination of the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the self-rated fall risk questionnaire in older individuals

Abstract

Introduction. The aim was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the self-rated fall risk questionnaire (FRQ). Methods. The study included 100 individuals aged over 65 years. For test-retest reliability, firstly, the questionnaire was applied to volunteers, and, after 15–20 days, the individuals were asked to fill in the questionnaire again. For internal consistency, its correlation was evaluated with the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test, of which Turkish reliability and validity studies had been previously performed in older individuals. Results. The internal consistency of FRQ results obtained in the first (test results) and second (retest results) tests was found to be moderate (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient: 0.771 and 0.854, respectively). The test-retest reliability of the FRQ total score and the total score of the other scales was excellent and turned out to be statistically significant. in the statistical analysis, correlations were observed between both the test results and the retest results (p < 0.05). Conclusions. in this study, the Turkish version of FRQ, which provides essential data for evaluating fall risk in older individuals and for consulting a specialist for detailed examination if necessary, was found to be highly valid and reliable.