Korean Version of the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I): Study of Validity and Reliability

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and test the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).Methods: The Korean version of the short FES-I was developed through the FES-I translation protocol. Participants for the psychometric tests included 300 older adults (100 visiting a senior welfare center, 100 registered as frail elderly in a public health center, and 100 visiting an orthopedic department at a university hospital after hip-fracture surgery). The psychometric tests included content, construct, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.Results: One factor of the seven items was validated and explained by 79.4% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the model fit and convergent validity. Mean scores according to fall history were also significantly different. Correlation analysis confirmed criterion validity with a single item of fear of falling (r=.76, <i>p</i><.001). There were reliable internal consistencies with Cronbach’s α coefficients of .95 and, .93, and the ICC (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient) for test-retest reliability was .95.Conclusion: This scale showed excellent validity and reliability in Korea. It is useful to measure fear of falling for older adults in clinical or community settings.

Otago Exercise Program Improves Physical Functional Performance and Reduces Falling Risk in Elderly Korean Women

“…Each item is scored from 1 to 10, with 1 being “very confident” and 10 being “not confident at all.” FES results range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating less confidence. Cronbach's α reliability coefficient was 0.95 for the scale items 23…”

“…Cronbach's α reliability coefficient was 0.95 for the scale items. 23 Feasibility Individuals assigned to the exercise group were asked about their satisfaction with the program. Adherence was calculated as the percentage of exercise sessions completed out of the 48 sessions over a 6-month period.…”