Qualitative study on salient factors influencing indian elderly’s perception on fall and its related interventions

Abstract

Fall is one of the major problems in the world’s ageing population. An ample amount of literature is available on different interventions that are practiced in developed countries as key tools to face the consequences derived from elderly fall. These includes: addressing personal behavior training, muscle exercise, technology interventions, and products like: hip-protectors, solesensors, fall detection, monitoring system etc. In developing countries like India similar approach may not be sufficient to overcome fall problem in elderly. This study is an initiative to understand the salient risk factors that influence Indian older adults’ perspective on fall problem and its related interventions. The study is carried out using qualitative method of research. Direct observation, in-depth interview with open-ended questionnaire is used and transcripts are analyzed using coding process. In India “Geographical Area”, “Financial Condition” and “Family Structure” plays an important role in the quality of elderly livelihood. Two other intermediate factors: “Awareness of elderly fall problem” and “Awareness of fall related intervention” and sub-categories like: “Willingness to perform exercise/use of other intervention”, “Fear of Falling (FOF)”, “Sense of security”, “Hesitation for taking help” and “Informal measure for fall” are emerged during the analysis process. Another factor influencing Indian elderly’s perception on fall and related intervention is the older adult’s concern about their ability as they are old. Before addressing Indian elderly fall and suggesting/designing/developing new tool or technique related to fall understanding of Indian older adults’ perspective on fall and its related intervention is very important.