Analysis on the characteristics and factors associated with avoidance of activity induced by fear of falling in the community-dwelling elderly / 中华流行病学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and factors associated with the avoidance of activity, that induced by fear of falling in the community-dwelling elderly so as to provide evidence for preventing elderly from falling and to increase the quality of life.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1 972 elderly in Zhejiang. Data were collected through face-to-face interview. Both Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the related factors on the avoidance of activity induced by fear of falling.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 1 972 elderly, 43.15% (95% CI 40.97%-45.34%) appeared avoidance of activity induced by fear of falling. There were no significant difference between males (41.79%, 95% CI 38.61%-44.98%) and females (44.36%, 95% CI 41.34%-47.38%), with χ² = 1.32, P > 0.05. The corresponding figures of the 60-69 years group, 70-79 years group and the ≥ 80 years group were 37.07%, 44.87% and 59.04%, respectively (Trend χ² = 48.93, P < 0.01). Of those elderly who ever fell in the past 12 months, 51.94% (95% CI 46.34%-57.53%) of them were afraid of falling which would lead to avoid of engaging in physical activities. Of the elderly who had no histories of falling in the past 12 months, 41.52% (95% CI 39.14%-43.89%) feared of falling and avoided engaging in related activities (χ² = 11.56, P < 0.01). Results from the Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the related factors would include general/poor perceived health status (OR = 1.53-1.69), impaired vision (OR = 1.95-2.98), impaired hearing (OR = 1.77), use of assistive devices (OR = 2.71), osteoporosis (OR = 3.35), dizziness (OR = 3.05), age ≥ 80 years old (OR = 1.56) and the level of received education.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Avoidance of physical activity induced by fear of falling among community-dwelling elderly was commonly seen. Health education and intervention measures should be strengthened to the elderly, so as to encourage them to engaging in physical activities and to improve their quality of life.</p>