title: Men's perspectives on fall risk and fall prevention following participation in a group-based programme conducted at Men's Sheds, Australia.
abstract: Research on older men's views regarding fall prevention is limited. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of older men regarding fall risk and prevention so that fall prevention programmes can better engage older men. Eleven men who had taken part in a group-based fall prevention programme called Stepping On conducted at Men's Sheds in Sydney, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews during June and July 2015 which were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were coded and analysed using constant comparative methods. Over-arching theoretical categories were developed into a conceptual framework linking programme context and content with effects of programme participation on men. Men's Sheds facilitated participation in the programme by being inclusive, male-friendly places, where Stepping On was programmed into regular activities and was conducted in an enjoyable, supportive atmosphere. Programme content challenged participants to think differently about themselves and their personal fall risk, and provided practical options to address fall risk. Two major themes were identified: adjusting the mindset where men adopted a more cautious mindset paying greater attention to potential fall risks, being careful, concentrating and slowing down; and changing the ways where men acted purposefully on environmental hazards at home and incorporated fall prevention exercises into their routine schedules. Practitioners can engage and support older men to address falls by better understanding men's perspectives on personal fall risk and motivations for action.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Jeannine L M
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Liddle
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Meryl
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lovarini
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Lindy M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Clemson
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Haeyoung
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sherrington
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D006126:Group Processes; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: Men's Sheds; fall prevention; older men; qualitative study