RESUMO
Background: fear of falling is common among elderly faller and it has been associated with impaired mobility and decreased functional status. As a result, older adults who have fallen are at greater risk of becoming institutionalized regardless of whether they have experienced an injurious fall
Objectives: the aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of fear of falls in elderly in geriatric home and in community dwelling elderly
Subjects and Methods:Design: A comparative study
Participants: 100 resident in nursing homes in Cairo and another 100 in community
Measurements: comprehensive geriatric assessment [CGA] including Minimental status examination [MMSE-30], Geriatric Depression scale [GDS-15], Mininutritional assessment [MNA], time up and go test [TUGT], activity of daily living [ADL], instrumental activity of daily living [IADl], Single item question ''are you afraid of falling?''
Results: the study showed that the prevalence of fear of falls in elderly living in nursing homes in Cairo is higher than others living in community, also showed that a higher percentage of environmental factors of falling among elderly in nursing homes compared to community, higher percentage of elderly with risk of fall living in nursing homes
Conclusion: prevalence of fear of falls is higher in elderly living in nursing homes in Cairo than others living in community