Citation

Asai T, Oshima K, Fukumoto Y, Yonezawa Y, Matsuo A, Misu S. BMC Geriatr. 2022; 22(1): 393.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/s12877-022-03018-2

PMID

35509040

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Both multiple fall experiences and fear of falling (FoF) would make people susceptible to another fall; however, the associations are unknown. This study investigates the association of FoF with fall occurrence among older adults according to their fall history.

METHODS: In this study, we adopted a longitudinal observational design. We visited 20 community centers to recruit 1,025 older adults (aged 65 years or older). At baseline, FoF was assessed using a single-item questionnaire. The number of falls in the past year was obtained via a self-questionnaire and participants were classified into three fall history groups (0: non-faller, 1: single faller, 2 or more: multiple faller). After a year of following-up, the number of falls during the year was considered as the main outcome. Poisson regression models clarified the influence of FoF on fall occurrence during the one-year follow-up, according to the participants' fall history.

RESULTS: The final sample comprised 530 individuals (follow-up rate: 530/801, 66.4%). Fall history, FoF, and interaction between multiple fallers and FoF were significant in the adjusted statistical model (rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: single faller = 2.81 [1.06, 6.30], multiple faller = 13.60 [8.00, 23.04], FoF = 3.70 [2.48, 5.67], multiple faller*FoF = 0.37 [0.20, 0.68]).

CONCLUSIONS: We found that FoF was associated with the occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older adults. However, its association was lower in multiple fallers.

Language: en

Keywords

Aged; Humans; Cohort Studies; *Fear; *Independent Living; Community-dwelling older adults; Fall history; Fall occurrence; Fear of falling; Surveys and Questionnaires