The Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Fear of Fall in the Elderly: A Hospital-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Falls are one of the most common but serious health issues faced by the elderly population. Falls-related injuries not only add to the morbidity and economic burden they also have a significant negative impact on psychological health and the quality of life of the elderly. In this study, we assess the prevalence of fear of falling among the geriatric population and the risk factors associated with fear of falling. Methodology This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among geriatric patients aged more than 60 years attending the medical outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand, India. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fear of falling among the geriatric population and compare various demographic and clinical parameters in elderly patients with and without fear of falling. Fear of fall was assessed using a questionnaire by asking the elderly if they had fear of falling, how often they had fear of falling, and under which circumstances did they have fear of falling. Information regarding demographics, history of daily activities, and chronic diseases was collected and assessed from all geriatric patients with and without fear of falls. Results Almost half (334; 42%) of the geriatric population had a history of fear of falling. Demographic parameters such as age over 80 years, female gender, living alone, and rural background were significantly associated with fear of falling. Similarly, a history of chronic diseases such as stroke, hypertension, and history of visual and motility impairment was significantly related to fear of falls among geriatric patients. Around 70% (571) of geriatric patients aged over 60 years had associated health problems. Conclusions This study reinstates that fear of falls is a significant health issue in the elderly age group. It also highlights multiple risk factors related to fear of falling which if controlled can significantly improve the quality of life of the geriatric population.

Cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates of fear of falling in the older people in residential care in India: the Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES)

“…Reports from other countries have shown a higher prevalence of FOF among residents in institutions. 28 No Open access 29 Studies from other parts of the world have reported a higher prevalence of FOF among the older people living in institutional settings than those living in communities. 28 30 31 However, the results from studies done in highincome countries cannot be extrapolated to India.…”

“…One study reported a 42% prevalence of FOF among the older people in a hospital setting in India. 29 …”

Unintentional domestic injuries among elderly in rural areas of Mandya: A community-based cross-sectional study in Southern Karnataka

“…[ 21 ] Falls are the most common form of domestic injuries in many studies, and also women are affected the most. [ 22 23 ] So, be it a rural or urban locality on an average 1/3 rd of the elderly were prone to domestic accidents as shown in many studies listed above.…”

“…in Uttarakhand, 42% of the elderly subjects had a history of fear of fall and it was more among females compared to males. [ 23 ] This study had a slight high prevalence of a history of fear of falls, as it is done in a tertiary healthcare hospital to which much of the times diseased individuals will be attending the outpatient departments. A systematic review by Biswas et al , which included 22 studies, found the similar fall incidence and risk among the elderly in India.…”

Relationship between fear of falling and fall risk among older patients with stroke: a structural equation modeling

“…Several investigations have been conducted regarding the risk factors for FOF and its relationship with fall risk in stroke patients [14][15][16][17][18][19]; they suggested that FOF is a critical indicator of falling; however, these studies investigating the connection between FOF and fall risk lack theoretical underpinnings explaining how physiological and psychological factors induce FOF and fall risk, and they are not supported by detailed assessments of relevant constructs [15,18]. Theory-based and extensive investigations are needed to develop a further understanding of what FOF means to older stroke patients.…”