127 Older Adults' Knowledge and Perceptions of Falls: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Falls is a global issue due to its devastating consequences and costs associated with fall injuries in older adults. There is limited information regarding knowledge and perceptions about falls among older individuals in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and perceptions of falls among older adults. Methods A total of twenty-five (n=25) community dwelling older adults were invited to participate in this study (age range 61-83, median=73). Focus group discussions were conducted to explore older adults’ perceptions on falls, while the Fall Risk Assessment Questionnaire (FRAQ) was used to assess their knowledge on falls. Results Three themes emerged from the qualitative data, which were ‘Ageing and its association with falls’, ‘Reactions to a fall’ and ‘Knowledge of fall interventions’. The quantitative results showed that more than half of the participants considered themselves at the risk of falls (n=15, 60%). Older adults had better knowledge on behavioral and environmental (percentage of errors: 19.4%; 35.2%) compared to medical and medication related fall risk factors (percentage of errors: 55.2%; 57.33%). Discussion Older adults had both positive and negative views on ageing and falls. Some of the fall prevention strategies highlighted were in line with evidence-based recommendations. However, majority exhibit fall prevention behaviors that were largely based on their personal experiences. Older adults lacked the knowledge on medical related fall risk factors as these require understanding of various medical conditions and the related medications. Conclusion Education intervention emphasizing on ageing, medical and medication related fall risk factors should now be evaluated.