The association between fear of falling and functional tests in older adults with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: The number of older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing. Falling during walking and the fear of it are prevalent in older adults with DM. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between fear of falling (FoF) and functional tests in older adults with DM and to determine other factors affecting functional tests in these people. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 134 older adults with DM who had referred to the diabetes clinic of Matini Hospital in Kashan, Iran. The participants were selected through sequential sampling and then were categorized into two groups of “with” and “without FoF.” In addition to responding to a demographic questionnaire, the participants were assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination, Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom Score, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International version. Walking performance of the participants was also measured using the Timed Up-and-Go, 5-Sit-to-Stand, and 50-Foot Timed Walk tests. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square, t-, and Mann–Whitney U-tests and linear regressions analysis. Results: Significant associations were found between FoF and education level, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and having neuropathy (P