Factors of fear of falling among the community dwelling elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] In this report we measured fear of falling among forty-five people aged 65-91 years old, and examined the related factor of fear of falling inclusively. [Methods] The measurement of fear of falling was investigated using the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES). We defined participants having low MFES score (< 140) as having fear of falling. Independent variables of fear of falling, such as body function, level of fall frequency in the past one year, ADL, body activity self-efficacy, and self-imposed restrictions the going out were obtained. [Results] Fear of falling was had 68.9% in the group, and showed a significant correlation with the ADL score and going out. Moreover, the ADL-20 score was extracted as a factor, and it was associated with fear of falling. [Conclusion] A decrease in fear of falling might be expected, in addition to body function improvement, by intervening to improve the ADL.