Work

Assessing Older Adults’ Readiness for Adopting Fall Prevention Recommendations Using the Transtheoretical Stages of Change

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: Reducing fall risk requires older adults (age 65+) to adopt effective prevention strategies. This study has three aims: 1) understand Stage of Change (SOC) for three fall prevention strategies; 2) determine strategies older adults’ use; and 3) understand which characteristics relate to readiness to take action. Methods: A survey of 1063 older adults assessed fall risk, SOC, and use of fall prevention strategies. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results: The most common SOC for older adults by strategy was action for overall fall prevention (61%), contemplation for medication management (45%), and preparation and action for strength/balance (29% each). Believing falls are preventable was most strongly related to being in a Change stage (e.g., action, maintenance ) for overall fall prevention (Risk Ratio: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.7). Discussion: Health promotion can focus on increasing knowledge of evidence-based fall prevention strategies to encourage older adults to take action.

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI: 10.1177/07334648241289933

Authors: Janice A. Mark, Ankita Henry, Briana Moreland, Dawson Dobash, Gwen Bergen

Institutions: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Language: English

Topic: Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention