Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the relevance and accuracy of determining and predicting risk factors for falls in older women using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: We tested the accuracy of the ICF against risk of falls amongst 568 community dwelling participants of the Australian Longitudinal Survey on Women’s Health (ALSWH). We linked health-related variables to the ICF using ten linking rules. The logistic regression analysis evaluated the relationship between the variables and the outcome of falls. Self-report surveys measured daily functioning, health service use, medications, housing and social support. Results: Variables aligned with the ICF components of body function, health conditions, environment, activity and participation (ADL/IADL), and general health were significantly associated with falls. Discussion and conclusion: Mapping ALSWH health-related data to ICF components identified significant risk factors for falls are related to health conditions, functional limitations and home hazards. Biopsycho-social approaches guided by the ICF framework are crucial for fall prevention.
Highlights
Fall is a major source of morbidity and mortality in older people
After adjusting for all variables in the sub-models, the final composite model shows that participant health conditions significantly associated with falls were low iron levels and cataracts with diabetes being protective for falls
The findings have confirmed many of the significant risk factors for falls in community populations, whilst other risk factors have not been confirmed with this sample
Summary
Fall is a major source of morbidity and mortality in older people. Preventing falls is a key health priority. Injuries from falls contribute to increased disability and mobility limitations for older people, and as the proportion of the aged population increases, the research of the risk factors for falls is becoming increasingly important. Due to the complexity of risk factors for falls, it is crucial to refine conceptual and methodological frameworks for understanding and predicting falls in the population to aid the formulation of more effective fall interventions. One such framework which may be applied to understanding and predicting risks of falls is the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) [3]
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