Relationship between Home Safety and Prevalence of Falling and Fear of Falling Among Elderly People: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Fall and fear of falling are the major factors affecting the elderly’s disabilities, so that most of them often find their home safe. Objectives: Evaluating the relationship between home safety and prevalence of falls and fear of falling among older adults.Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 elderly people who lived in Bojnrud, northeast of Iran, from December 2016 to July 2017 using cluster-sampling method. A demographic characteristics questionnaire, Fall Efficiency Scale-International (FES-I) questionnaire, and Home Safety Checklist were employed.Results: 157 individuals (35.7%) had a history of falling in the past year. The mean score for fear of falling was 29.14±11.07 and the same value for home safety status equaled to 11.31±4.17. The mean score for fear of falling was significantly correlated with history of falls (p<0.0001). There was a statistically significant relationship between home safety status and prevalence of falls and fear of falling (p<0.0001). Also logistic regression analysis showed that fear of falling could be estimated by 29-51%, considering the history of falls in the last 12 months and home safety mean score (p<0.0001).Conclusion: Home safety status and demographic variables could have effects on falls and fear of falling in elderly individuals. Considering these factors, older adults at the risk of further falls can be identified and be trained through planning and appropriate interventions to prevent falling and negative consequences among them

کلیدواژه ها:

Home Safety ، Falling ، Fear of Falling ، Elderly People