Correlation between osteoporosis knowledge and activities and fear of falling in the community elderly

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between osteoporosis knowledge and activities and fear of falling of elderly in the community. Method 420 elders in community were investigated with osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool(OKAT)and the modified survey of activities and fear of falling in the elderly (MSAFFE) . Result The overall average score of MSAFFE was (25.36±4.58) , and exercise capacity dimension scored higher (13.89±2.41). The overall average score of OKAT was (9.11±3.81). The correlation coefficient of MSAFFE and OKAT was -0.11~0.58(P <0.05). The level of knowledge osteoporosis could explain 24%, 18%, 16% variation of activities and fear of falling in each dimension. Conclusion The level of knowledge osteoporosis in the elderly is closely related to activity and fear of falling. Health education should be strengthened to improve the life quality of older people. Key words: Fears of falling; Osteoporosis; The elder people