A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practice Regarding Prevention of Falls Among Elderly at Navajeevan Vruddhashramam in Tirupati

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falls among the elderly are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They constitute the second leading cause of unintentional deaths after road-traffic accidents. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of falls among the elderly and to investigate the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quasi experimental one group pre and post-test design was used to assess the knowledge and practice of old age people regarding prevention of recurrent falls, over the age of 60, in Navajeevan vruddhashramam, Tirupati. The sample under scrutiny was estimated to be 30 in total. The investigator developed questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of booklet on the knowledge and practice regarding prevention of falls among elderly at Navajeevan vruddhashramam. The collected data was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted by using descriptive and inferential statistics based on the objectives of the study and effectiveness of booklet was analyzed and interpreted by using descriptive and inferential statistics. the study RESULTS Showed that Among 30 samples in pretest 47% (14/30) had average knowledge on prevention of recurrent falls. Among 30 samples in post -test (20/30) 67% have good knowledge on prevention of recurrent falls. The mean score was observed was 9.93 and post means score is 22.3 by applying the T test, the calculator value is 11.28 and T-value is 2.0017. So that by obtained “t” value was highly significant at p < 0.05 level. The conclusion drawn from the study information booklet was more effective on prevention of recurrent falls among elderly people. Keywords: falls, old age people, booklet, knowledge and practice