The Short FES-I: a shortened version of the falls efficacy scale-international to assess fear of falling

Abstract

the Short FES-I is a good and feasible measure to assess fear of falling in older persons. However, if researchers or clinicians are particularly interested in the distributions of specific fear of falling-related activities not included in the Short FES-I, the use of the full FES-I is recommended.

Perceptions Related to Falls and Fall Prevention Among Hospitalized Adults

“…developed for nonhospitalized adults, [35][36][37] thus supporting criterion-related validity of the new instruments (r = 0.40-0.73; P = .001) Construct validity was examined by using principal axis factor analysis. Single-factor solutions emerged for the Confidence Scale (73% of variance explained; eigenvalue = 5.1), the Intention Scale (59% of variance explained; eigenvalue = 5.3), and the Fear Scale (77% of variance explained; eigenvalue = 5.4).…”

“…35,37 Degree of concern about falling while performing high-risk activities was measured on a 4-point Likert scale from 1 (not at all concerned) to 4 (very concerned). A sample item was While hospitalized, how concerned are you that you might fall while getting out of a chair without help?…”

“…Three scales developed for community-dwelling adults were also administered as part of data collection, specifically the Falls Efficacy Scale-International, 35 the Falls Efficacy Scale, 37 and the Consequences of Falling Scale. 36 Moderate correlations among scores for community-dwelling and hospitalized adults were anticipated, as evidence of criterion-related validity.…”

“…15,22,23 Patients may have perceptions about their own risk for falling that influence adherence to fall-prevention plans. [32][33][34] Although studies have been done on fall-related perceptions among community-dwelling adults, 33,[35][36][37] research on fall-related perceptions among acutely ill hospitalized patients is limited. Nurses need new knowledge about why acutely ill patients do or do not engage in behaviors to prevent falls.…”

Reducing falls among older people in general practice: The ProAct65+ exercise intervention trial

“…A higher total score indicates poorer confidence, with a maximum possible total score of 30. The short FES-I contains 7 domains (Kempen 2008) each with a possible score of 1 through 4 (1=not at all concerned, 4=very concerned) (Yardley 2005). A higher total score indicates poorer self-efficacy, with a maximum possible total score of 28.…”