Citation

Tabatabaei HR, Ahmadipour H. Int. J. Prev. Med. 2020; 11: e153.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences)

DOI

10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_198_19

PMID

33209223 PMCID

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falling is a serious challenge for public health and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. This study conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of fall risk screening tool (P-FRST).

Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out from September 2018 to March 2019 on 537 elders who referred to urban health centers in Kerman, Iran. Demographic data recorded and fall-risk assessment was performed using P-FRST and the timed up and go test (TUG). The maximum possible score is 33 for P-FRST and score ≥18 is considered as high risk. The time ≥12 s in TUG test considered as a risk for falling. Data analyzed by SPSS using t-test, analysis of variance, and linear regression.

Results: The mean age of participants was 67.18 ± 6.93. According to P-FRST, 22% of the elderly were high risk and 62% had a moderate risk for falling. The mean score for falling risk was significantly higher in the females, illiterates, income <10 million IRRLs, and the unemployed.

Conclusions: Due to the risk of falling in the elderly, it is suggested that in the comprehensive health care for the elderly, to assess the risk of falling, especially in high-risk groups, so that preventive interventions can be made.

Language: en

Keywords

aged; Iran; risk factors; risk assessment; Accidental falls