Evaluation of Fear of Falling and Its Relation with Frailty in Older Adults

Objectives: Fear of falling affects the daily performance of the older adult, exacerbates the frailty syndrome and ultimately reduces the independency of the older adult. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fear of falling and frailty in older patients referred to urban comprehensive health centers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 215 older adults aged 60 years and older in Bushehr in 2021 by two-stage cluster sampling. In addition to the demographic and clinical information questionnaires, Data were collected using International Form Fall Efficiency Test questionnaire (FES_I) and Fried frailty index. Data were analyzed using chi-square, logistic regression and adjustment methods by SPSS software version 24. Results: The mean age of the older adult was 68.81± 8.31. 56.7% (122 people) were women and 43.3% (93 people) were men. The results of the study showed that the chance of fear of falling in frail people was six times higher than non-frail people (OR = 6.37 CI 95% 1.44-28.08). Significant differences were found between fear of falling and age, lower education, life without a spouse, lower income level, retirement and housekeeping, and a history of fall (P <0.001). Conclusion: Fear of falling can reduce self-efficacy and increase dependence of the older adult, Therefore, timely screening and intervention are recommended to reduce negative effects.