Physical Function, Fear of Falling, Occupational Status and Falls in a Nigerian Older Adults Sample

• Published in: Ageing international Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 327 - 337
• Main Authors: Akosile, Christopher Olusanjo, Odidika, Francis Junior, Okoye, Emmanuel Chiebuka, Adegoke, Babatunde Olusola Adeleke, Maruf, Fatai Adesina, Oderinde, Akinlolu Abayomi, Kehinde, Adeolu Olusola, Raji, Najim Olayiwola
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.12.2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Aging; Data collection; Falls; Gender; Health surveys; Hospitals; Local government; Occupations; Older people; Physical therapy; Population; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Social Sciences; Statistical analysis; Nigeria; Falls; Fear of falling; Occupational status; Nigerian; Elderly; Physical function
• ISSN: 0163-5158; 1936-606X
• DOI: 10.1007/s12126-014-9202-2

Purpose This study aimed at examining the levels of physical function (PF), fear of falling (FOF), occupational status and fall prevalence and the association among these variables in a Nigerian elderly sample. Methods 180 volunteering elderly individuals (72.1 ± 7.0 years) from selected South-Eastern, Nigeria communities participated in this study. The PF domain of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) and oral interview were used for evaluating participants’ PF, FOF and fall experiences and occupational status. Results FOF and fall prevalence rates were 34.4 % and 27.8 % respectively. FOF (kw = 8.41, p = 0.00) and PF (kw = 6.48, p = 0.04) were significantly different for different categories of fallers, while individuals with FOF have significantly lower PF than those without FOF (u = 2004, p = 0.00). Occupational inactivity was significantly associated with presence of FOF ( X 2  = 7.734, p = 0.005) Conclusions FOF and fall prevalence rates were high among participants, and majority function at a dependent level. Poor PF is associated with individuals with either multiple falls and/or with presence of FOF while being occupationally inactive is associated with FOF presence but not with PF and fall frequency. Therapy focus for older adults should be on enhancing PF and encouraging occupational activeness.