Measuring Fear of Falling and Appraisals of Harm. (16th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lach, Helen; Noimontree, Wanida
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 4(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2020-12-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Fear of falling (FOF) causes premature disability in older adults who limit their physical activities, making FOF an important area for aging research. Measures of falls self-efficacy have been widely used, but less attention has been paid to measuring the construct of fear. We re-assessed an older measure of fear and appraisals of harm to determine the factor structure and potential for a shorter version. Data was collected from 329 older adults from a variety of community setting (mean age 76.3, 84% female, 81% White); 63.8% reported FOF. Factor analysis resulted in four factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.0. Two factors achieved adequate Cronbach's alpha: appraisals of harm outcomes (0.924) and social stigma (0.815). Further analysis was used to identify a short form, resulting in a 6 item measure of appraisal of harm outcomes (Cronbach's alpha 0.86). The original and short versions were moderately correlated with falls self-efficacy as measured by the short form, and level of fear of falling using a 10-point rating scale (.327 - .492). Research is needed to further clarify psychological targets to help older adults remain physically active to improve quality of life.