A Study on the Falls, Fear of Falling, Depression, and Perceived Health Status among the Older Adults

Jung, Dukyoo; Shin, Kyung Rim; Kang, Younhee; Kang, Ji Sook; Kim, Kon Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between a experience of falling, fear of falling, depression, and perceived health status in urban areas.
METHODS
After obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, a one-time, face-to-face, and private interview was conducted with each participant who was eligible and agreed to participate in this study from May 2007 to August 2007 by trained graduate-level nursing students. The questionnaires consisted of Fall Efficacy Scale, K-GDS, and SF-36. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS/PC 12.0 program, which was used for frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and hierarchical regression.
RESULTS
The major findings of this study were as follows; 1) approximately 9% of participants had fallen within one year. Study participants reported moderate fear of falling(M=43.80); moderate physical health (M=42.31) and mental health(M=46.05); and low depression status(M=10.38). 2) there were significant differences in fear of falling according to gender, experience of falling, exercise, and depression. 3) significant factors influencing on fear of falling were experience of falling and physical health status.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that nurses working closely with older adults should be taught the impact of previous falls and physical health status on fear of falling and need to reinforce exercise behavior for older adults who are vulnerable to fear of falling.