Coping Behavior Related to Risk of Further Falls for Elderly with Hip Fracture

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify coping behavior regarding risk of further fall for elderly patients who had been discharged home after undergoing open reduction of hip fracture sustained in a fall.
Methods: An ethnographic approach was used throughout this study. Data were obtained from semi-structured interview with eighteen elderly patients aged 65 years and older who were discharged from hospital 3 months to one year previously.
Results: Six categories of coping behavior related to risk of repeat fall were identified. “If I fall again, I will be bed-ridden” was characterized as the factor underlying coping behavior related to risk of falling again and this had a major influence on other coping behaviors. Coping behaviors aimed at eliminating the cause of falls “I stabilize my body when it is unstable” and “I avoid going to places where I might fall,” and coping behaviors related to daily activities “I do not act when I do not have confidence in my movements” and “I try to devise some method so that I do not fall” were identified. “I ask for help from others” influenced the four abovementioned behaviors.
Conclusions: It was concluded that the positive attitude of these patients towards prevention of a further fall could be utilized in prevention of falls and in reducing the number of elderly who might be in need of care.