Fear of falling among Brazilian and Portuguese older adults

Abstract

Background Falling is the leading cause of physical disability, mortality and social exclusion in older adults. In Brazil and Portugal, falls cause thousands of hospitalisations every year. Fear of falling (FOF) causes loss of confidence in accomplishing daily tasks, restriction in social activities and increased dependence.

Aim To compare the prevalence of FOF between Brazilian and Portuguese community‐dwelling older adults and the factors associated with FOF.

Methods A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data collected from older adults residing in Brazil (n = 170; M age=70.44 years) and Portugal (n = 170; M age=73.56 years).

Results The prevalence of FOF was significantly higher (p = 0.015) among Portuguese (n = 133, 54.1%) versus Brazilian (n = 113, 45.9%) older adults. FOF among Brazilian older adults was associated with being 76 + years of age and female. Among Portuguese older adults, factors associated with FOF were intake of daily medications, having fallen within the past year, and visual difficulties.

Conclusions Fear of falling is linked with modifiable and non‐modifiable factors. Timely assessments of FOF and factors associated with FOF are essential.

Implications for practice Primary care nurses should assess and address FOF in older people with interdisciplinary practitioners.