Citation

Jellesmark A, Herling SF, Egerod I, Beyer N. Disabil. Rehabil. 2012; 34(25): 2124-2131.

Affiliation

Department of Quality, Copenhagen University Hospital Roskilde , Denmark.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/09638288.2012.673685

PMID

22536796

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of the study were to assess self-reported fear of falling (FOF) and functional ability among community-dwelling elderly people 3-6 months post hospital discharge after a hip fracture, to investigate the association between FOF and functional ability, and to explore the lived experience of FOF and disability when recovering from a hip fracture. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed method design was used in a "face-to-face" survey assessing FOF (Falls Efficacy Scale-International, FES-I), avoidance of activities (Modified survey of Activities and Fear of Falling, mSAFFE), functional ability (Functional Recovery Score, FRS), and mobility (New Mobility Score, NMS) followed by in-depth interviews of four participants. Interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation. Results: Among the 33 participants 58% had a high degree of FOF and avoided more activities, needed more assistance in activities of daily living, and were less mobile than participants who had a low degree of FOF (p < 0.0001). According to the informants FOF reduced their functional ability and seriously altered their lives. Conclusions: FOF was common and significantly associated with activity avoidance, disability, and affected the lives of elderly recovering from a hip fracture. Some patients were physically incapacitated by FOF. [Box: see text].

Language: en