Fear of Falling among Community-dwelling Elderly Women Receiving Visiting Nursing Services in Japan

Abstract

Although fear of falling is a common and serious problem among elderly people, little is known about the risk factors associated with fear of falling among frail elderly persons in Japan. To assess the fear of falling and investigate related factors, we conducted a study among 167 Japanese women aged 59 or older, who were receiving visiting nursing services. Fear of falling was measured by asking subjects about being afraid of falling (yes/no) and completing the Japanese version of Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). Fear of falling (being afraid of falling) was reported by 135 (80.8%) of the subjects. The overall FES score was significantly (p<0.01) lower in subjects who reported fear of falling (mean± standard deviation=19.8±5.5) than in those who did not (26.1±7.2). The Japanese version of FES effectively identified persons having a fear of falling. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that palsy, incontinence, and falls during the past year were significantly associated with an increase in fear of falling (measured by FES). The present study suggests that fear of falling is common among elderly women receiving visiting nursing services. Preventive strategies to reduce fear of falling and falls are needed, and would contribute to prevention of being bedridden and institutionalized for the frail elderly.