J Korean Gerontol Nurs.  2022 Aug;24(3):229-237. 10.17079/jkgn.2022.24.3.229.

Korean Version of the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I): Study of Validity and Reliability

• Ko Y
• Lee SJ
• Baek SH

• KMID: 2540599
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17079/jkgn.2022.24.3.229

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to develop and test the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).
Methods
The Korean version of the short FES-I was developed through the FES-I translation protocol. Participants for the psychometric tests included 300 older adults (100 visiting a senior welfare center, 100 registered as frail elderly in a public health center, and 100 visiting an orthopedic department at a university hospital after hip-fracture surgery). The psychometric tests included content, construct, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.
Results
One factor of the seven items was validated and explained by 79.4% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the model fit and convergent validity. Mean scores according to fall history were also significantly different. Correlation analysis confirmed criterion validity with a single item of fear of falling (r=.76, p<.001). There were reliable internal consistencies with Cronbach’s α coefficients of .95 and, .93, and the ICC (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient) for test-retest reliability was .95.
Conclusion
This scale showed excellent validity and reliability in Korea. It is useful to measure fear of falling for older adults in clinical or community settings.

Keyword

노인; 낙상 두려움; 요인분석; 타당도; Frail elderly; Fear; Factor analysis, statistical; Reproducibility of results