Predicting perceived recovered activity in older people after a fall.
OBJECTIVE
Fall injury represents a common cause of disability in older people. Much research in this area ignores the importance of psycho-social factors in recovery from a fall.


METHODS
Data were collected from a sample of 40 people (> or = 65 years) admitted to hospital as a result of a fall. Details included: the fall event; causal beliefs; psychological impact; history of falls; pre-fall activity; general health; and beliefs concerning recovery, including efficacy and affective beliefs. After 2 months, participants were recontacted by letter and completed a questionnaire assessing perceived residual levels of disability (65% response).


RESULTS
Results indicated that beliefs that the fall was due to external causes and was preventable were each associated with higher perceived recovered activity, even when controlling for pre-fall activity, health status and fall injury.


CONCLUSIONS
The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to promoting recovery after a fall in older people.
McKee
K J
KJ
Centre for Ageing and Rehabilitation Studies, University of Sheffield, Community Sciences Centre, Northern General Hospital, UK. k.j.mckee@sheffield.ac.uk
Orbell
S
S
Radley
K A
KA
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires