title: Knowledge of risk factors for falling reported by patients with Parkinson disease.
abstract: This study examined awareness of the risk factors for falling among a group of community dwelling patients with Parkinson disease (PD) using the Falls Risk Awareness Questionnaire (FRAQ). A cross-sectional survey of 28 patients who attended a Movement Disorders Clinic for treatment of PD was used. FRAQ is a 28-item self-administered survey that assesses the knowledge and perception of risk factors for falling. Demographic, medical, and medication data were gathered from both the participants and clinic charts. Twenty-three (82%) of the participants reported falls in the past; seven (30%) had fallen within the past month. Nineteen (68%) of the participants felt they were at risk for further falls. When asked to list potential risk factors for falling, only 14% could identify medication as a risk factor. Persons with PD are at substantial risk of falling, yet many appear to be unaware of common risk factors, especially medication use.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Cheryl A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Sadowski
authors.forename: C Allyson
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Feeny
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000416:Alberta; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019338:Polypharmacy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs