Reliability, construct validity, and clinical feasibility of the activities-specific fall caution scale for residential living seniors.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the reliability, validity, and feasibility of the Activities-specific Fall Caution (AFC) Scale.


METHODS
Cross-sectional studies with test-retest and interrater reliability.


METHODS
Residential care facilities in Ontario, Canada: 10 in study 1 and 6 in study 2.


METHODS
Convenience samples of 101 and 31 residents.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
In study 1, the AFC Scale was readministered to 44 residents, 64 were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go, and Self-Paced Walk Test, and the Nursing Home Life-Space Diameter was completed for 80 residents. In study 2, staff administered the AFC Scale to 31 residents on 2 occasions.


RESULTS
In study 1, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) was .87 (95% confidence interval, .78-.93). AFC scores were associated with physical performance and mobility patterns (P<.001) and able to discriminate on the basis of gait aid use (P<.001), balance disorders (P<.05), and transfer assistance and walk speed (P<.01). Comparatively, general fear of falling showed weaker associations and a sex bias. In study 2, staff administration was fairly consistent (ICC=.71) and similar associations emerged for AFC scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The AFC Scale shows good reproducibility, convergent and discriminative validity, and is feasible for clinical as well as research use.
Blanchard
Robin A
RA
Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Myers
Anita M
AM
Pearce
Nancy J
NJ
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires