Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool

Patient Perception of Fall Risk and Fall Risk Screening Scores

BACKGROUND

Falls are the most prevalent adverse event among hospitalized patients. Multilevel risk factors are associated with falls, yet falls continue.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship between the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk instrument, patient characteristics, and perception of fall risk.

METHODS

The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk score, patient perception of fall risk, and patient characteristics were analyzed among inpatient adults (n = 201) from 5 acute care units in a large southern California medical center.

RESULTS

Bivariate analyses revealed that fall risk was inversely associated with participants' confidence in their ability to perform high fall risk behaviors without help and without falling ( P = .018).

CONCLUSIONS

Perception of fall risk is a promising new indicator in preventing falls. Patient perception of fall risk may elicit a behavior change to help prevent falls. Increased health care provider awareness of patient perception of fall risk may improve fall risk interventions and prevention programs.

Risk of Falls in adults 45-64 years old in the United States

Falls among the older adults (64+ years old [YO]) are considered public health issues. However, fall prevention in middle adulthood (age 45-64) has received less attention. We studied the associations between the number of falls and fall-related injuries and indicators for socio-demographics, chronic diseases, and difficulties in conducting activities in two age groups, 45-64 YO and 64+. In this secondary data analysis, we used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2018 data. The study showed respondents in the 45-64 YO have higher average falls and fall-related injuries than those 64+ (P < .001). Variables that link to more falls and fall-related injuries in 64+ correspond to more falls and fall-related injuries in 45-64 YO. The finding indicates that the odds of falls and fall-related injuries are comparable across age groups when considering demographic characteristics. However, odds of falling in the presence of arthritis and asthma are higher for respondents in 45-64 YO than the 64+ YO. The risk of falls and fall-related injuries are not specific to older adults. Factors that matter to the number of falls and fall-related injuries in the older adults also count in the younger age group. Nurses are asked to validate available fall assessment tools for adults 45-64 years old and evaluate all clients over 45 for fall risk.