The Effects of Falling and Fear of Falling on Daily Activity Levels in the Elderly Residing in Korean Rural Community

Lee, Ju Hyun; Ahn, Eun Mi; Kim, Gye Eun; Jeong, You Kyung; Kim, Jung Hyun; Kim, Ji Hye; Lee, Geong Ah; Lee, Se Jin; Jung, So Won

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of falls and to correlate if the fear of falling results in avoidance of activities in a rural community elderly population.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was done in 299 rural residents in Korea aged >60 years, between June 19, 2007 and June 21, 2007. Questionnaires about basic demographics, falling events, fear of falling (K-ABC), and limitations of daily activities (K-IADL) were completed.
RESULTS
Among the 299 participants, 26.1% had experienced a fall. 197 participants confirmed that they experienced fear of falling (66.9%). This was further broken down to participants who were 'a little concerned'(31.4%), 'much concerned' (20.7%), and 'very much concerned' (13.7%). 183 people (61.2%) had limited daily activities caused by a fear of falling. Fallers experienced higher levels of anxiety and fear of falling than non-fallers (p<0.001). Comparing fear of falling with limited daily activities shows that the greater the fear of falling, the larger the limitation in daily activities and the lower the K-IADL score. After adjusting for falling, multiple linear regression showed that fear of falling and limited daily activities were positively correlated (p<0.001). Among groups with fear of falling, non-fallers, exercise group (p=0.024), and good perceived health group (p=0.022) had no limitations in activities compared with the control groups.
CONCLUSION
Modifying drinking habits, diet habits, and social activities associated with perceived health states may improve daily activity levels in the elderly residing in rural communities, even though they have the fear of falling.