Development and Validation of a Fall Questionnaire for Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Issue 7 (23rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frank, Anika; Bendig, Jonas; Finkbeiner, Sophia; Hähnel, Tom; Schnalke, Nils; Feige, Tim; Reichmann, Heinz; Falkenburger, Björn H.
• Is Part Of: Movement disorders clinical practice. Volume 9:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 900
• Page End: 908
• Publication Date: 2022-07-23
• Subjects: Parkinson's disease -- surveys and questionnaires -- falls -- validation study -- fall‐related injuries; Movement Disorders; Movement disorders -- Periodicals; Movement disorders; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13515
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2330-1619

Abstract

Abstract: Background: In Parkinson's disease, postural instability and falls are of particular socioeconomic relevance. Although effective fall prevention and the prophylaxis of fall‐related injuries depend on low‐threshold symptom monitoring, validated instruments are lacking. Objectives: To develop a self‐report questionnaire for the assessment of falls, near falls, fear of falling, fall‐related injuries, and causes of falls for patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Methods: A pool of potential items was generated from a literature review and by discussion in an expert panel. The first version of the Dresden Fall Questionnaire (DREFAQ) was tested in a group of German‐speaking movement disorder specialists as well as PwPD. The resulting 5‐item questionnaire was assessed in a validation cohort of 36 PwPD who documented fall events and near‐fall events in a calendar for 3 months and completed the DREFAQ at the end of the study. The questionnaire was subsequently used in a separate cohort of 46 PwPD to determine test–retest reliability and confirm the factor structure. Results: The DREFAQ showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84) and good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.86). The total DREFAQ score showed good concurrent validity with fall events (Spearman's ρ = 0.82) and near‐fall events (Spearman's ρ = 0.78) as determined by fall and near‐fall diaries. Factor analysis revealed a 2‐factor structure composed of near falls with fear of falling and severe falls with injuries. Conclusions: The DREFAQ is a reliable and valid 5‐item questionnaire for determining the incidence of falls, near falls, fear of falling, fall‐related injuries, and causes of falls in PwPD.