The Association of Falls with Instability: An Analysis of Perceptions and Expectations toward the Use of Fall Detection Devices Among Older Adults in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Falls are a significant incident among older adults affecting one in every three individuals aged 65 and over. Fall risk increases with age and other factors, namely instability. Recent studies on the use of fall detection devices in the Malaysian community are scarce, despite the necessity to use them. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the prevalence of falls with instability. This study also presents a survey that explores older adults' perceptions and expectations toward fall detection devices.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 336 community-dwelling older adults aged 50 years and older; based on randomly selected participants. Data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis. Chi-square test was conducted to investigate the associations between self-reported falls with instability, demographic and walking characteristics. Additionally, older adults' perceptions and expectations concerning the use of fall detection devices in their daily lives were explored.Results: The prevalence of falls was 28.9%, where one-quarter of older adults fell at least once in the past 6 months. Participants aged 70 years and older have a higher fall percentage than other groups. The prevalence of falls was significantly associated with instability, age, and walking characteristics. Around 70% of the participants reported having instability issues, of which over half of them fell at least once within 6 months. Almost 65% of the participants have a definite interest in using a fall detection device. Survey results revealed that the most expected features for a fall detection device include: user-friendly, followed by affordably priced, and accurate.Conclusions: The prevalence of falls in community-dwelling older adults is significantly associated with instability. Positive perceptions and informative expectations will be used to develop an enhanced fall detection incorporating balance monitoring system. Our findings demonstrate the need to extend the fall detection device features aiming for fall prevention intervention.

Improving Fall Detection Devices for Older Adults Using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) Approach

“…In view of the survey analysis, where respondents reported high prevalence of falls and balance instability, it is relevant to proceed with the proposed design process in regards to improve fall detection devices for older adults (Abdul Rahman et al, 2021). Also, majority of the respondents were interested to use such devices.…”

“…Referring to the study in Abdul Rahman et al (2021), the structure of study sample, sampling technique and the results of the survey were discussed. The study was done as the first part in the phases of the design process as illustrated in Figure 1.…”

“…There are several causes for older adults to fall, and frequently the contributing factors are intertwined. Similarly in Malaysia, according to studies done nationwide, the prevalence of falls are in the range of 27% to 30% (Abdul Rahman et al, 2021;Ghazi et al, 2017;Rizawati & Mas, 2008). The risk of falling is particularly significant in populations with balance impairments, such as older adults, amputees, or those with neurological conditions (Denissen et al, 2019;Miller et al, 2001;World Health Organization, 2007).…”

“…The adoption of these devices is strongly influenced by their usability and reliability, which are now lacking. Despite its benefits, older adults are afraid to use technological devices, believing they are uncomfortable, complicated to use affecting their cognitive capacity, invasive that the technology would take control over their lives, affecting their health and fear of losing human contact; which causing them to stop using the purchased devices after couple of months (Abdul Rahman et al, 2021; Sundgren et al, 2020).…”

Association Between Fatigue and Falls Risk Among the Elderly Aged Over 75 Years in China: The Chain Mediating Role of Falls Efficacy and Lower Limb Function

“…The previous findings confirmed that lower limb strength and gait patterns differed between subjects with and without falls risk ( 12 , 13 ). Another former study provided insight into the association between balance function and falls risk, concluding that there was an increasing trend across age group in terms of the prevalence of falls and perceived instability among older adults ( X 2 = 20.145 and P -value < 0.001) ( 14 ). In conclusion, both fatigue and lower limb function can affect falls risk, while fatigue can predict lower limb function.…”