Reducing the fear of falling through a community evidence-based intervention.
Falls and the fear of falling are major health concerns among older adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an evidence-based fall prevention program on the fear of falling and health-related quality of life among community-dwelling elders. The program consisted of 6 classes that covered topics such as risk factors for falls, balance exercises, medications, safe footwear, and home safety. Of those elders who were most fearful at baseline, the fall prevention program decreased their fear of falling and improved 1 dimension of their health-related quality of life.
Audrey Beauvais, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, CNL, is the Director of the Undergraduate Nursing Program, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut. John E. Beauvais, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, and Associate Chief, Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut.
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D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003237:Connecticut; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior