Validação de face, conteúdo e semântica da escala de avaliação do risco de quedas em pessoas idosas que vivem na comunidade / Face, content and semantic validation of the scale for assessing the risk of falls in community-dwelling elderly people / Validación facial, de contenido y semántica de la escala de evaluación del riesgo de caídas en ancianos residentes en la comunidad

Introdução: quedas em pessoas idosas constituem um sério problema de saúde e geram muitas preocupações para estudiosos e clínicos da geriatria e gerontologia. Objetivo: avaliar a validade de face e de conteúdo e a validade semântica de uma escala de avaliação do risco de quedas em idosos que vivem na comunidade. Método: trata-se de um estudo do tipo metodológico, com realização das seguintes etapas: validade de face e de conteúdo e análise semântica. Na análise de validade de face e de conteúdo, foram convidados sete juízes especialistas na área de saúde da pessoa idosa e do método em questão. Concernente à análise semântica, a referida escala foi aplicada em 20 idosos selecionadas por conveniência. Resultados: dos sete juízes contatados, cinco retornaram com os instrumentos. Na análise de aparência, cinco itens receberam concordância inferior a 80%. Na análise semântica, apenas dois itens foram identificados como de difícil compreensão pelas pessoas idosas. A segunda versão da escala apresentava 43 itens e, após avaliação dos juízes, passou a compor 44 itens. Conclusão: a escala apresenta validade de face, de conteúdo e semântica para o contexto atual e para a população-alvo estudada, sendo importante sua revisão e adequação em momentos pósteros a fim de acompanhar os avanços científicos da geriatria e gerontologia.

Introduction: falls in elderly people constitute a serious health problem and generate many concerns for scholars and clinicians in geriatrics and gerontology. Objective: to evaluate the face and content validity and semantic validity of a scale to assess the risk of falls in community-dwelling elderly people. Method: this is a methodological study, with the following stages: face and content validity and semantic analysis. For the face and content validity analysis, seven judges, experts in the area of elderly health and the method in question, were invited. Regarding the semantic analysis, the scale was applied to 20 elderly people selected by convenience. Results: of the seven judges contacted, five returned with the instruments. In the appearance analysis, five items received less than 80% agreement. In the semantic analysis, only two items were identified as difficult to understand by the elderly. The second version of the scale had 43 items and, after the judges' evaluation, it became 44 items. Conclusion: the scale presents face, content and semantic validity for the current context and for the target population studied, being important its revision and adequacy in later moments in order to follow the scientific advances in geriatrics and gerontology.

Introducción: las caídas en ancianos constituyen un grave problema de salud y generan muchas preocupaciones a los estudiosos y clínicos en geriatría y gerontología. Objetivo: evaluar la validez facial y de contenido y la validez semántica de una escala para evaluar el riesgo de caídas en ancianos residentes en la comunidad. Método: se trata de un estudio metodológico, con las siguientes etapas: validez facial y de contenido y análisis semántico. Para el análisis de la validez facial y de contenido se invitó a siete jueces, expertos en el ámbito de la salud de las personas mayores y en el método en cuestión. En cuanto al análisis semántico, la escala se aplicó a 20 ancianos seleccionados por conveniencia. Resultados: de los siete jueces contactados, cinco devolvieron los instrumentos. En el análisis de apariencia, cinco ítems recibieron menos del 80% de acuerdo. En el análisis semántico, sólo dos ítems fueron identificados como difíciles de entender por las personas mayores. La segunda versión de la escala tenía 43 ítems y, tras la evaluación de los jueces, pasó a tener 44 ítems. Conclusión: la escala presenta validez facial, de contenido y semántica para el contexto actual y para la población objetivo estudiada, siendo importante su revisión y adecuación en momentos posteriores para acompañar los avances científicos en geriatría y gerontología.

Built Environment Characteristics And Its Association Between Physical Performance, Falls Risk And Functional Mobility Among Malaysian Older Adults / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Older adults who walk in their neighbourhood with greater street connectivity are reported to have lower limb physicalperformance decline. There is limited information regarding the association between built environment characteristicsand physical performance in older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the association between built environmentcharacteristics, physical performance, falls risk and functional mobility among older adults. Sixty four (27 men and 37women) community dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above (mean 67.4 ± 7.1 years) from senior citizen clubs inKuala Lumpur, Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. Built environment characteristics were assessed usingan adapted Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Physical performance and falls risk was measuredusing Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Profile Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) respectively. TimedUp and Go (TUG) and gait speed tests were used to assess functional mobility. There was a significant correlation betweenbuilt environment and physical performance (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and functional mobility measured using gait speedtest (r = 0.27, p < 0.05) among older adults. Built environment was identified as a significant determinant of physicalperformance (R2 = 0.19, p < 0.001). Built environment characteristics is an important external factor in preservingphysical performance in older adults. Programmes and policies for a more favourable built environment characteristicsin the neighbourhoods should be encouraged to promote and maintain physical performance among older adults

Attitude Towards Ageing And Physical Performance Among Adults 55 Years Old And Above

Negative attitudes towards ageing are reported to be associated with greater functional impairment in older adults. There is limited information regarding attitudes towards ageing and physical performance in regard to adults aged 55 to 64 years. The objective of our study was to examine the association of attitude towards ageing on physical performance which includes mobility, agility and falls risk. This cross sectional study was conducted at five senior citizen clubs around Klang Valley in Malaysia. A total of 154 community dwelling adults aged 55 and above (mean:65.8+6.82) participated in this study. Attitude towards ageing was measured using Kogan’s Attitude towards Older People Questionnaire (KAOP). Mobility and agility were measured using gait speed test and ten step test respectively. Risk of falls was assessed using physiological profile aproach (PPA). Approximately 75% of the participants had positive attitude towards ageing with high to very high risk of falls. A significant (p<0.05) correlation was demonstrated between attitude towards ageing, falls risk and gait speed.Regression analysis showed that attitudes toward ageing had a relationship with falls risk, explaining 6% of the variance, F (1, 152) =10.26, p<0.01.The results of this study suggest that there is some relationship between attitude towards ageing and falls risk measured using a combination of physical performance test. Positive attitude towards ageing should be promoted among adults in an earlier age for overall physical health among older adults.

Mobility and Fear of Falls Measuring Tools to Predict Falls Risk Among Malaysian Community Dwelling Older Adults / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Falls is a global health issue among older adults. Identifying measuring tools that can predict falls risk among older adults can assist in early falls risk detection and prevention. Best measuring tools that can predict falls risk among Malaysian community dwelling older adults is not known. The objective of our study was to determine if Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale could be used as a falls risk predictor tools among Malaysian community dwelling older adults. Hundred and six (n = 106) community dwelling older adults who were attending Klinik Kesihatan Cheras participated in this cross sectional study. Falls incidence in the past one year was obtained from the participants. TUG test was performed and ABC scale was administered. Data was analysed using binomial logistic regression and receiver operating curves (ROC). The cut off values identified for TUG test and ABC scale were 9.02 seconds (area under the curve, AUC was 0.711; 95% CI 0.577-0.844) and 82.81% (area under the curve, AUC was 0.682; 95% CI 0.562-0.802) respectively. Hence, older adults with a score of above 9.02 seconds for TUG test and a score of below 82.81% for ABC scale were noted to have a higher risk of falls. Results of this study demonstrated that both TUG test (p < 0.001) and ABC scale (p < 0.01) were significant predictors of falls risk. Our study results indicated that both mobility (TUG test) and fear of falls (ABC scale) measuring tools, with the present cut off values can be used to identify community dwelling older adults who are at a higher risk of falls. Identifying older adults with higher risk of falls can assist the health professionals to optimise falls prevention and management approaches.

Attitude Towards Ageing And Physical Performance Among Adults 55 Years Old And Above

@#Negative attitudes towards ageing are reported to be associated with greater functional impairment in older adults.There is limited information regarding attitudes towards ageing and physical performance in regard to adults aged 55 to 64 years. The objective of our study was to examine the association of attitude towards ageing on physical performance which includes mobility, agility and falls risk. This cross sectional study was conducted at five senior citizen clubs around Klang Valley in Malaysia. A total of 154 community dwelling adults aged 55 and above (mean:65.8+6.82) participated in this study. Attitude towards ageing was measured using Kogan’s Attitude towards Older People Questionnaire (KAOP). Mobility and agility were measured using gait speed test and ten step test respectively. Risk of falls was assessed using physiological profile aproach (PPA). Approximately 75% of the participants had positive attitude towards ageing with high to very high risk of falls. A significant (p<0.05) correlation was demonstrated between attitude towards ageing, falls risk and gait speed.Regression analysis showed that attitudes toward ageing had a relationship with falls risk, explaining 6% of the variance, F (1, 152) =10.26, p<0.01.The results of this study suggest that there is some relationship between attitude towards ageing and falls risk measured using a combination of physical performance test. Positive attitude towards ageing should be promoted among adults in an earlier age for overall physical health among older adults.

Falls Prevalence And Its Risk Assessment Tools Among Malaysian Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Review

@#Falls in older adults is a major health issue globally. Falls prevalence reports vary based on the study settings. The importance of a fast, easy self-assessment tool to identify falls risk has been emphasised in numerous studies. The aim of our study was to pool information on the prevalence of falls and its risk assessment tools based on a scoping review. This information will be beneficial to inform current falls prevalence and to decide on the best falls risk assessment tool to be used among Malaysian community-dwelling older adults. Articles referred were based on the following electronic databases (MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source and SPORTDiscus) via EBSCOHOST, Science Direct, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase® and Google Scholar. Twelve studies were identified to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our review findings showed that current falls prevalence (between 4.2% and 61%) among Malaysian community dwelling older adults was consistent with the findings in Asia. Falls risk assessment tools used were similar to the ones used in other countries, taking the multiple falls risk factors in consideration.

Perfil dos estudos de quedas com idosos: revisão integrativa / Profile of studies of falls with the elderly: integrative review / Perfil de estudios de caídas con mayores: revisión integrativa

A população idosa vem crescendo, e episódios de quedas são cada vez mais frequentes. Neste artigo, procedeu-se uma revisão integrativa nas bases de dados SciELO e LILACS entre os anos de 2010 e 2015, com o objetivo de verificar o perfil dos estudos envolvendo quedas em idosos. Foram incluídos 149 artigos em que se percebeu a relação positiva do exercício físico. Os fatores de risco mais encontrados foram sexo feminino, depressão, idade avançada, entre outros. A fratura foi a consequência mais encontrada.

The elderly population is growing and episodes of falls are becoming more frequent. In this article, an integrative review of the SciELO and LILACS databases was carried out between 2010 and 2015, in order to verify the profile of studies involving falls in the elderly. A total of 149 articles were included where the positive relation of the physical exercise was perceived. The most common risk factors were female sex, depression, old age, among others. The fracture was the most common consequence.

La población anciana está creciendo y los episodios de caídas son cada vez más frecuentes. En este artículo se realizó una revisión integradora de las bases de datos SciELO y LILACS entre 2010 y 2015, con el objetivo de verificar el perfil de los estudios de caídas en ancianos. Se incluyeron 149 artículos donde se percibió la relación positiva del ejercicio físico. Los factores de riesgo más comunes fueron el sexo femenino, la depresión, la vejez, entre otros. La fractura fue la consecuencia más común.

Percepção sobre queda como fator determinante desse evento entre idosos residentes na comunidade / Fall awareness as a determining factor of this event among elderly community residents

Objetivos: Identificar a prevalência de quedas domiciliares em uma amostra de idosos e avaliar os fatores determinantes para esse desfecho, incluindo os riscos intrínsecos e extrínsecos, bem como a percepção sobre quedas, mensurada por meio do questionário Falls Risk Awareness Questionnaire (FRAQ-Brasil). Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo, realizado com 472 idosos por meio de entrevista. Os dados foram analisados segundo teste do qui-quadrado, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A média de idade foi 70,6 anos, sendo a maior parcela do sexo feminino. Episódios de queda foram relatados por 55,2% dos entrevistados; a maioria tinha diagnóstico autorreferido de doenças que dificultavam a deambulação e fazia uso de medicamentos que favorecem quedas. Observou-se menor ocorrência de quedas entre os indivíduos com maior percepção sobre seus fatores de risco. Conclusão: O estudo identificou elevada prevalência de quedas e exposição dos idosos a vários fatores de risco independentes e concomitantes. Maior nível de percepção sobre quedas parece ser um importante fator de prevenção, apresentando maior associação com a prevalência de quedas do que renda e escolaridade.

Objectives: To identify the prevalence of accidental falls among elderly persons in their homes, and to evaluate determining factors to that, including intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, as well as the awareness about falls, assessed by the Falls Risk Awareness Questionnaire (FRAQ-Brazil). Method: It consisted of a quantitative, transversal, and descriptive study, performed with 472 elderly persons through interview. Data were analyzed by the chi-squared test with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: The average age of the sample was 70.6 years and most of them were female. Among the sample, 55.2% referred previous episodes of fall. The majority of them self-reported having diseases associated with gait disturbance and used medicines that could cause falls. It was observed less falls among elderly with higher level of awareness about risk factors. Conclusion: A high prevalence of accidental falls and exposure of the elderly persons to several independent and concomitant risk factors were observed. Greater awareness level about falls seems to be a preventive factor, presenting a higher association with falls than level of education and income.

The incidence and identification of risk factors for falls among Filipino elderly persons in a nursing home facility and at the rehabilitation medicine out-patient department of the Philippine General Hospital

OBJECTIVES: This prospective cohort study was undertaken to determine the incidence of falls and the identification of risk factors in elderly persons in a nursing home facility and those seen at the Rehabilitation Medicine Out-Patient Department (OPD) of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), and to propose interventions to reduce or prevent falls in both populations. METHODS: Filipino elderly aged 60 years old and above, male or female, who consulted at the Rehabilitation Medicine - OPD of the PGH in Manila, and the elderly aged 60 and above in a nursing home facility for religious sisters in Rizal were included. The following data that may present as risk factors for falls were collected: demographic characteristics, health status, medications, and chronic illness. Environmental hazards were checked. Physical examinations were conducted to test for cognitive function, balance, and visual acuity. Follow-up interviews were done every two months for 10 months to monitor incidence of falls and their causes. Data were analyzed to identify the significant risk factors for falling. RESULTS: A total of 156 subjects were included, 116 subjects from the OPD and 40 subjects from the nursing home. At the end of the study, a total of 50 out of 156 subjects (32.1%) from both populations had falls within 10 months. Twenty-seven (27) out of 116 subjects (23.3%) in the OPD elderly and 23 out of 40 elderly (57.5%) in the nursing home had falls. Significant risk factors that contributed to falls in the elderly seen at the OPD were poor vision and history of falls. In the nursing home population, significant risk factors identified were cognitive impairment and presence of chronic diseases. Major cause of falls for both populations was presence of slippery floors in the bathroom or bedroom in the homes of the OPD elderly (67%) and presence of the slippery areas in the nursing home (65%). CONCLUSION: Falls in the elderly are considered to be one of the main causes for morbidity, decline in function, and death. Among the Rehabilitation Medicine OPD elderly, it is important to identify those with visual problems and those with history of previous falls as likely candidates for falling within the year or so. Elderly with cognitive impairment and chronic disease in the nursing home population should be closely monitored because of greater risk of falling. In both populations, interventions should include the provision of a safe environment to prevent or reduce the incidence of future falls.

Falls and its risk factors among elderly patients with diabetes / 中国实用内科杂志

Objective To study falls and its risk factors among elderly patients with diabetes.Methods A case-control study was conducted among 101 diabetic patients aged over 60 years,and 104 elderly people without diabetes were taken as controls.Results Falls in elderly diabetic patients (24.75%) were higher than elderly people without diabetes (13.40%)(P