Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of the Tamil version of the Falls-Efficacy Scale – International in Indian elderly population

Abstract

Background. Fall Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I) is a validity and reliability measure used to assess fear of fall. However, it is worth noting that FES-I is currently not available in the Tamil language. Therefore, the objective of this particular study was to cross-culturally adapt the measure into Tamil and subsequently test the validity and reliability of the translated version. Methods. The original English version of FES-I was translated according to the protocol set by ProFaNE. The Tamil version, FES-I (T), was given to 81 elderly Tamil-speaking participants. Statistical analyses were done to compare groups based on age, gender, fear of falling, and fall history. The validity of FES-I (T) was assessed by comparing its scores with the TUG test and SPPB. The reliability of FES-I (T) was evaluated using the Intraclass correlation coefficient. Results. The total scores obtained from FES-I (T) exhibited a positive correlation with the scores obtained from the TUG test (rs = 0.584), while displaying a negative correlation with the scores obtained from the SPPB (rs = −0.619, p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, the test-retest reliability of FES-I (T) was found to be excellent, with the Intraclass correlation coefficient for the total score recording a value of 0.99. Conclusion. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the FES-I (T) is a valuable tool that can be effectively utilized in both clinical practice and research settings to assess fear of falling in elderly individuals who speak Tamil.