Contribution of fall risk based on physical performance and emotional status to fear of falling in older people

Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between fear of falling, fall risk based on physical performance and emotional status, which one is more effective on fear of falling in community dwelling older people. Methods: The study was conducted with the 63 older people staying Aydın Community Dwelling Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center. The study a total of 63 older people, volunteer 51 men and 12 women were included in, 65 years and over, has not acute health problem, does not depend on the bed or a wheelchair, able to follow the instructions. Demographic characteristics, used drugs and fall history were recorded. Fear of falling was assessed using Falls Efficacy Scale-International, fall risk based on physical performance was assessed with Berg Balance Scale and emotional status was assessed using Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Results: Fear of falling, fall risk based on physical performance and anxiety were found to be significantly higher in women than in men (p<0.05). Fear of falling and fall risk were significantly higher in olders with fall history according to those without fall history (p<0.05). Anxiety was more older people with fall history but it wasn't found statistically significant (p>0.05). Fall risk was determined to be positively correlated (r=0,324) to age, negatively correlated (r=-0,276) to body mass index (p<0.05). Emotional status was found to be positively correlated (r=0,266) to age (p<0.05). But emotional status and body mass index between relationship wasn't found significant (p>0.05). Fall risk based on physical performance and emotional status between relationship wasn't determined significant (p>0.05). Fear of falling was found to be positively correlated (r=0,259) to age (p<0.05). But fear of falling and body mass index between relationship wasn't found significant statistically (p>0.05). Fear of falling was found moderate and positively correlated (r=0,589) to fall risk based on physical performance and anxiety (p<0.05). Fall risk based on physical performance and emotional status were detected to be effective in fear of falling and this effect was equal (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that fall risk based on physical performance and anxiety was associated with fear of falling and the contribution of both to the fear of falling was equal in older people. Key Words: Elderly; Fear of Falling; Fall Risk; Emotional Stress