ABSTRACT
To compare prevalence and risk factors associated with fear of falling (FoF) in two groups of elderly people, 109 patients with recurrent dizziness and 109 controls without dizziness. FoF was defined as a positive response to the single question and with Falls Efficacy Scale of >50. The prevalence of FoF was greater (71.6%) in the dizzy group (control, 31.2%; p<0.001). Factors associated with FoF in the dizzy-group were diabetes, high General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) score and poor balance score. In the non-dizzy group, female gender, high GHQ, and poor gait score in Tinetti's scale were the association. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between dizziness and FoF.
Subject(s)
Accidental Falls , Dizziness/complications , Fear , Postural Balance , Aged , Case-Control Studies , Diabetes Complications , Female , Gait , Health , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of fear of falling (FOF) among patients over age 60 with dizziness, falls, or syncope; and to analyze risk factors associated with FOF, including data from the tilt table test. This study included 200 older patients referred to a geriatric outpatient clinic specializing in dizziness, falls, and syncope. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who experienced FOF (yes vs. no) and whether FOF restricted leaving home alone or performing activities of daily living. FOF occurred in 50 per cent of patients in this population. Among these, 44 per cent gave up going out alone and 10 per cent stopped doing basic activities of daily living. Beyond age 75, FOF was associated with recurrent dizziness, depression, and symptoms on standing, but not prior falls.
