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Alfaro Hudak KM, Adibah N, Cutroneo E, Liotta M, Sanghera A, Weeks-Gariepy T, Strunz E, Rein DB. Older adults' knowledge and perception of fall risk and prevention: a scoping review. Age Ageing 2023; 52:afad220. [PMID: 38016017 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls are a leading cause of injury and mortality among older adults. While multiple strategies are effective at reducing fall risk, uptake is low. Understanding how older adults think about fall risk and prevention activities can inform outreach initiatives and engagement. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar for articles published between January 2015 and April 2023. Studies were eligible if they reported on knowledge or perception of fall risk and/or prevention among community-dwelling older adults. RESULTS We included 53 studies from 20 different countries. Over half of the studies used qualitative methods, 19 used quantitative, and three used mixed methods. Most of the older adults could identify some fall risk factors and the consequences of falls. However, many older adults did not view themselves as at-risk for falls. Some older adults consider falls an inevitable part of ageing, while others believe that falls can be prevented. Cultural context may play a role in shaping these beliefs. Several studies reported on older adults' experiences and the perceived barriers and facilitators of participating in fall prevention activities. CONCLUSION Improving the accuracy of older adults' perceptions of their own fall risk and highlighting the fact that many falls are preventable are two key messages that may help motivate older adults to take action to prevent falls. Older adults cite their healthcare provider as a trusted source of prevention information, and clinicians can leverage this opportunity to inform and motivate older adult patients about fall prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelin M Alfaro Hudak
- Public Health department, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Nada Adibah
- Public Health department, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erin Cutroneo
- Public Health department, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madeleine Liotta
- Public Health department, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anmol Sanghera
- Public Health department, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tracy Weeks-Gariepy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric Strunz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David B Rein
- Public Health department, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Briede-Westermeyer JC, Radici Fraga PG, Schilling-Norman MJ, Pérez-Villalobos C. Identifying the Needs of Older Adults Associated with Daily Activities: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4257. [PMID: 36901264 PMCID: PMC10001655 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION By 2050, older adults will constitute 16% of the world population; hence, there is an urgent demand and challenge to design solutions (products and services) that meet the needs of this age group. This study sought to analyse the needs that impact the well-being of Chilean older adults and present possible solutions through the design of products. METHODOLOGY A qualitative study was used, where focus groups were held with older adults, industrial designers, health professionals, and entrepreneurs on the needs and design of solutions for older adults. RESULTS A general map was obtained that linked the categories and subcategories related to the relevant needs and solutions, which were then classified in a framework. CONCLUSIONS The resulting proposal places the needs in different fields of expertise; and thus, enables positioning, broadening, and expanding upon the map to share knowledge, between the user and key experts, to co-create solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Briede-Westermeyer
- Department of Design Engineering, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Avda. España 1680, Valparaíso 2390123, Chile
| | - Paula Görgen Radici Fraga
- Departamento de Design e Expressão Gráfica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil
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Vincenzo JL, Patton SK, Lefler LL, McElfish PA, Wei J, Curran G. A qualitative study of older adults' facilitators, barriers, and cues to action to engage in falls prevention using health belief model constructs. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 99:104610. [PMID: 34954649 PMCID: PMC9344858 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Decreasing falls is highly dependent on engagement in fall prevention activities. The Health Belief Model (HBM) theoretical framework was used to explore older adults' perceptions about falls prevention. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS An informed grounded theory approach was applied. Four focus groups were conducted using semi-structured interview guides based on the HBM with 27 community-dwelling older adults (average age = 78 years). Deductive content analysis was used to apply constructs of the HBM to the data and explain the findings. RESULTS Potential reasons for not engaging in falls prevention included lack of self-perceived severity, susceptibility, and self-efficacy with a subtheme of lack of information about falls prevention from medical providers. Potential facilitators included older adults' knowledge and current engagement in falls prevention and socializing while engaging in falls prevention. Participants recommended cues to action to improve engagement in falls prevention from family, friends, physicians, pharmacists, and insurance companies; and using various modes to deliver cues to action, including print, audiovisual, online, and reminders. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS In this study, the HBM was used to understand older adults' potential barriers, facilitators, and cues to action to support engagement in falls prevention. Engagement in fall prevention behaviors could be improved by addressing barriers such as lack of knowledge, and lack of self-perceived severity and susceptibility to falls. Reinforcing the benefits of fall prevention, and promoting cues to action to engage in falls prevention may also support engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Vincenzo
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions
| | - Susan Kane Patton
- University of Arkansas, Department of Nursing, College of Education and Health Professions, United States.
| | | | - Pearl A. McElfish
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Office of Community Health and Research
| | - Jeanne Wei
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, Reynolds Institute on Aging, United States.
| | - Geoffrey Curran
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Psychiatry, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
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Juckett LA, Bunger AC, Jarrott SE, Dabelko-Schoeny HI, Krok-Schoen J, Poling RM, Mion LC, Tucker S. Determinants of Fall Prevention Guideline Implementation in the Home- and Community-Based Service Setting. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 61:942-953. [DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Home- and community-based service (HCBS) recipients often possess multiple fall risk factors, suggesting that the implementation of evidence-based fall prevention guidelines may be appropriate for the HCBS setting. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the determinants of fall prevention guideline implementation and the potential strategies that can support implementation in HCBS organizations.
Research Design and Methods
Semistructured interview and focus group data were collected from 26 HCBS professionals representing the home-delivered meals, personal care, and wellness programs. Qualitative codes were mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research by means of directed content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research checklist was used to report the findings of this study.
Results
We identified 7 major determinants of guideline implementation: recipient needs and resources, cosmopolitanism, external policy and incentives, networks and communication, compatibility, available resources, and knowledge/beliefs. Strategies to support guideline implementation included the involvement of recipient and caregiver feedback, building fall prevention networks, and conducting educational meetings for HCBS staff.
Discussion and Implications
Falls and fall-related injuries will continue to plague the older adult community unless innovative approaches to fall prevention are developed and adopted. The implementation of fall prevention guidelines in the HCBS setting can help mitigate fall risk among a highly vulnerable older adult population and may be facilitated through the application of multifaceted implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Juckett
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | | | | | | | - Jessica Krok-Schoen
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Rachael M Poling
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | | | - Sharon Tucker
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus
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Swink LA, Atler KE, Klinedinst TC, Fling BW, Fruhauf CA, Schmid AA. Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: Program Adaptation and Development. PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN GERIATRICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2019.1645257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Swink
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Karen E. Atler
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Tara C. Klinedinst
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Brett W. Fling
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Christine A. Fruhauf
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Arlene A. Schmid
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
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Lee R, Moreland B. Aging without injury in the United States requires action today. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2019; 70:272-274. [PMID: 31848005 PMCID: PMC7001090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2017, unintentional injuries were the seventh leading cause of death among older adults (age ≥ 65), resulting in over 55,000 deaths. Falls accounted for more than half of these deaths. Given that older adults are the fastest growing age group in the United States, we can anticipate that injuries will become an even greater health concern in the near future. METHODS Aging without injury is possible. There are evidence-based strategies that can reduce falls. However, older adults may not realize that falls can be prevented or they may be afraid to admit their fear of falling or difficulty with walking as these issues may signal their inability to live independently. RESULTS In this commentary, we will highlight what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is doing to prevent older adult falls. We also highlight the importance of broadening older adults' awareness about falls to successfully empower them to begin contemplating and preparing to adopt fall prevention strategies that can help them age in place. CONCLUSIONS Older adult falls are common and can result in severe injury and death but they can be prevented. Broadening older adults' awareness about falls can empower them to take the actions necessary to reduce their fall risk. Practical applications: Increasing awareness about falls can help older adults, healthcare providers, and local and state health departments take steps to reduce fall risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lee
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States.
| | - Briana Moreland
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
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