Relations among Knowledge, Fear and Efficacy of Fall in the Community Dwelling Elderly

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to find out knowledge, fear, and efficacy of fall in the community dwelling elderly and to investigate how the factors were connected to one another. METHODS: Data were collected from June to August, 2009 from 101 aged people who aged 65 or older and agreed to participate in this study sampled among elders at 8 halls of the aged in local communities. The subjects were interviewed by a co-researcher and 3 trained assistants in a way of responding to the questionnaire after being read. The data were analyzed through t-test, ANOVA, Turkey's test and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Knowledge of fall was affected significantly by whether the living cost was provided or not, fear of fall was affected by sex, level of education, hearing impairment and regular exercise, and efficacy of fall was affected by age, sex, marital status, level of education, hearing impairment, vertigo and regular exercise. The results also showed a negative correlation between fear of fall and efficacy of fall. CONCLUSION: According to this study, regular exercise can build up knowledge and efficacy of fall and diminish fear of fall. Thus it is highly recommended to include regular exercise in an effective fall-prevention program.