Knowledge, attitude and practice on fall risk factors and prevention among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam

Abstract

Falls among the elderly are an important global health problem. This study assesses knowledge regarding risk factors of falls, as well as attitudes and practices towards fall prevention among older adults in the rural community. A cross-sectional study was performed in four rural communes in Thai Binh province, Vietnam. A total of 3038 older people were recruited. Knowledge was assessed by using Falls Risk Awareness Questionnaire. Questions about attitudes were based on the Health Belief Model. Other questions regarding attitudes and practices regarding fall prevention were also asked. Multivariate regression was performed to identify associated factors with knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results showed that the mean score of knowledge regarding risk factors of falls was low at 11.37/32. The highest scores were observed in terms of drug aspects, followed by medical condition and behavioural aspects. Older people mostly agreed with perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits and barriers, but their attitudes about cues to action, health motivation and actions were most neutral. Meanwhile, more than half of the participants practised recommended fall preventive measures. To conclude, health education interventions and fall prevention services that enhance community-based fall prevention knowledge, attitudes and practices for older adults should be performed to reduce the burden of falls in this population.

Fear of Falling: Exploring Associated Factors among Elderly Residents in the Rural Communities of Vietnam

“…One possible interpretation is that individuals with elevated quality-of-life scores may possess heightened awareness of their health status, making them more attuned to the potential consequences of a fall. This increased awareness could contribute to a heightened FOF, as individuals with a more positive perception of their well-being may be particularly concerned about any potential threat to their health and independence [ 17 , 33 ]. This finding prompts further exploration into the underlying mechanisms linking FOF and quality of life.…”

“…Men are evaluated excluding food preparation, housekeeping, or laundry, whereas women are rated across all eight functional areas. Each participant is scored based on their highest performance level within each domain [ 17 ]. The resulting summary score ranges from 0 (indicating poor function and dependency) to 8 (representing excellent function and independence).…”

“…FOF and its associated factors are crucial considerations in interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of falls and their consequences [ 17 ]. Research in developed countries has extensively explored the significance of FOF and its repercussions as key determinants influencing health outcomes [ 7 , 18 ].…”

Education for fall prevention in older adults living in long-term care facilities

“…Understanding, perspectives, and behaviors regarding fall prevention among older adults contribute significantly to the identification of fall risks and proactive involvement in fall prevention efforts. However, studies have demonstrated the continued existence of disparities in knowledge, attitude, and practice in preventing falls among older adults, even in developed countries (TANG et al, 2023). Therefore, health education interventions and fall prevention services should be carried out to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices, both in the community and in institutions, of fall prevention for the elderly, in order to reduce the burden of falls in this population.…”