Prevalence of Fear of Falling and Associated Factors among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Urban Northeastern Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Pawinee Saybungkla; Piyathida Kuhirunyaratn; Nipitphon Seeooppalat; Bangonsri Jindawong; Pat Nonjui; Prasert Prasomruk; Nichanun Panyaek; Surakarn Ruaisungnoen; Pinet Tatiwechakul; Thanakij Rungrueangrattanakul; Kritsana Aunthakhot

doi:10.55489/njcm.170720266692

Authors

Pawinee Saybungkla Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Piyathida Kuhirunyaratn Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Nipitphon Seeooppalat Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Bangonsri Jindawong Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Pat Nonjui Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Prasert Prasomruk Mahidol University, Amnatchareon Campus, Amnatcharoen, Thailand
Nichanun Panyaek Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Surakarn Ruaisungnoen Department of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Pinet Tatiwechakul Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Thanakij Rungrueangrattanakul Department of Community, Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Kritsana Aunthakhot Department of Innovative Health Management Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.170720266692

Keywords:

Fear of falling, Accidental falls, Aged, Community-dwelling older adults, Nocturnal awakenings, Sex factors

Abstract

Background: Fear of falling (FOF) is a major issue for older adults, significantly increasing their risk of falling. Few studies have explored this topic in urban areas of Thailand. This current study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of FOF and identifying factors associated with FOF among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 older adults aged ≥ 60 years in Ban Ped Sub-district, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Participants were sampled using systematic sampling. FOF was assessed using the Thai Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Thai FES-I), with FOF defined as a score ≥ 22. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with FOF.

Results: FOF prevalence was 54% (95% CI: 48.91-59.59). High frequency items for FOF were walking on a slippery surface and walking up or down a slope. Four factors were found to be significantly associated with FOF: the female gender (AOR=2.88; 95% CI: 1.57-5.31), age ≥ 80 years (AOR=3.57; 95% CI: 1.23-10.37), a history of falls (AOR=2.10; 95% CI: 1.04-4.23), and nocturnal awakenings (AOR=3.37; 95% CI: 1.97-5.76).

Conclusion: More than half of older adults experienced FOF. Female gender, advanced age, a history of falls, and nocturnal awakenings were significantly associated with FOF. Interventions should prioritize high-risk groups, particularly by addressing modifiable factors, such as nocturnal awakenings through sleep hygiene programs, nocturnal toileting management, and referral pathways to see specialist physicians for older adults with sleep disorders.

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