Citation

Singh T, Belanger E, Thomas K. Clin. Gerontol. 2018; ePub(ePub): 1-6.

Affiliation

b Center of Innovation for Long-term Services and Supports at the Providence VA Medical Center , Brown University , Providence , Rhode Island , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07317115.2018.1468377

PMID

29764333

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Emerging research suggests Black older adults experience a 30% decreased risk for falls compared with their White U.S. counterparts, and this is mediated neither by physical performance nor activity. Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant risk factor for falls, yet we know little about how FOF varies by race/ethnicity. The purpose of this original research brief was to investigate the relationship between race/ethnicity and FOF among older adults.

METHODS: 4,981 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) who had not self-reported a fall in the past 12 months were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between race/ethnicity and fear of falling, controlling for sex, age, total annual income, and mobility assistance.

RESULTS: FOF differed significantly across racial groups. Black, non-Hispanic older adults were less likely to have FOF (OR = .87, 95% CI = .71,1.07) compared with their White, non-Hispanic counterparts. In the fully adjusted model, this difference persisted and became stronger (adjusted OR = .75, 95%CI = .61,.93).

CONCLUSION: The decreased risk for falls in Black older adults could be explained by lower FOF in this group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings should inform public health fall prevention initiatives among community-dwelling older adults.

Language: en

Keywords

Fear of falling; Medicare beneficiaries; health disparities; older adults; race; risk factors