Development and validation of a modified falls-efficacy scale.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the psychometric properties of a modified falls-efficacy scale (FES) that included more challenging activities of daily living items and made reference to the presence or absence of enabling assistive devices that are part of the built environment.


METHODS
Baseline data from a longitudinal study among a cohort of 551 community-living seniors was used to generate data to inform the current report. Data for this study was collected in seniors' homes and apartments in two neighbouring cities in Canada, Ottawa and Gatineau. Measurements included a modified falls self-efficacy scale, various health and demographic measures.


RESULTS
Factor analysis of the instrument revealed a two-factor solution, explaining 60.3% of the variance. The two emerging subscales were: Subscale 1--basic activities of daily living (ADLs), and subscale 2--challenging ADLs. The modified FES demonstrated greater internal consistency and better response variability than Tinetti's original FES.


CONCLUSIONS
Adding more challenging ADL items and specifying use of assistive devices while undertaking the ADL may increase the FES' ability to distinguish between participants with varying degrees of mobility or health impairment. Recommendations for future research are offered and implications for use are discussed.
Edwards
Nancy
N
School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. nancy.edwards@uottawa.ca
Lockett
Donna
D
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking