@article{ref1,
title="Factors associated with fear of falling and fall-related injuries among people who use wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters: a cross-sectional study",
journal="Disability and rehabilitation",
year="2024",
author="Moein, Sahel and Peterson, Elizabeth W. and Rice, Laura A.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: To identify the factors associated with the fear of falling (FOF) and fall-related injuries (FRI) among full-time wheelchair and motorized mobility scooter (WC/S) users with various health conditions. <br><br>METHODS: This cross-sectional study included participants (≥18 years old) who used WC/S for at least one year for ≥ 75% of mobility and had a history of ≥ 1 fall in the past three years. Logistic regression models identified factors associated with FOF (yes/no) and FRI (yes/no) during the past year. Data on demographics, prior falls, mental health, environmental accessibility, and WC/S usage were used as independent variables. <br><br>RESULTS: Among 156 participants, 96% reported at least one fall within the past year, among whom 94.6% reported FOF, and 74% reported FRI within the same period. FOF was associated with fall incidence in the past year (OR = 17.75, p = 0.001). FRI was associated with higher levels of anxiety (OR = 1.15, p = 0.003) and fewer hours of WC/S use per week (OR = 0.98, p = 0.012). <br><br>CONCLUSION: This study highlights the high prevalence of FOF and FRI among WC/S users who had falls. The findings emphasized the relation between prior fall experiences and FOF and underscored the significance of addressing anxiety symptoms and WC/S usage in relation to FRI.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0963-8288",
doi="10.1080/09638288.2024.2365984",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2365984"
}