Citation

Vitorino LM, Marques-Vieira C, Low G, Sousa L, Cruz JP. Int. J. Older People Nurs. 2019; 14(2): e12230.

Affiliation

Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Al Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/opn.12230

PMID

30860668

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falling is the leading cause of physical disability, mortality and social exclusion in older adults. In Brazil and Portugal, falls cause thousands of hospitalisations every year. Fear of falling (FOF) causes loss of confidence in accomplishing daily tasks, restriction in social activities and increased dependence.

AIM: To compare the prevalence of FOF between Brazilian and Portuguese community-dwelling older adults and the factors associated with FOF.

METHODS: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from older adults residing in Brazil (n = 170; M age=70.44 years) and Portugal (n = 170; M age=73.56 years).

RESULTS: The prevalence of FOF was significantly higher (p = 0.015) among Portuguese (n = 133, 54.1%) versus Brazilian (n = 113, 45.9%) older adults. FOF among Brazilian older adults was associated with being 76 + years of age and female. Among Portuguese older adults, factors associated with FOF were intake of daily medications, having fallen within the past year, and visual difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS: Fear of falling is linked with modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Timely assessments of FOF and factors associated with FOF are essential. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Primary care nurses should assess and address FOF in older people with interdisciplinary practitioners.

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

Brazil; Portugal; comparative study; fear of falling; geriatric nursing