RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the influences of health beliefs on fall prevention behavior among adult patients who had abdominal surgery. METHODS: Data were collected from 136 patients who had undergone an abdominal surgery within the past 5 days. The data collection period was from September 21 to October 25, 2017. The health belief measurement tool, modified and reviewed by experts, and the fall prevention guideline developed by the Korean Nurses Association and revised by Park were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The Health Belief Model explained 45.7% of the variance in fall prevention behavior among adult patients who had abdominal surgery. Perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits had significant influence on fall-prevention behavior. CONCLUSION: Tailored educational programs which put emphasis on the perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits of fall prevention need to be developed.