Falling, Balance Confidence, and Fear of Falling After Chronic Stroke

ABSTRACT

Aims: To gain an in-depth understanding of issues expressed by survivors of stroke and their spousal caregivers related to falling and fear of falling (FoF). Methods: The phenomenological qualitative research tradition was used to conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and member checked. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale was embedded within each interview. Researchers independently open coded, triangulated data, and allowed categories and themes to emerge. Results: Six survivors of chronic stroke and spouses were interviewed. All survivors reported at least one fall since hospital discharge, with half reporting injurious falls. Two reported FoF when asked, but most indicated impaired balance confidence. The overarching theme of adjustment emerged, with sub-themes of (1) physical and (2) emotional/cognitive adjustment. Conclusions: Clinicians’ heightened awareness of issues expressed by these couples may improve care (education and practice), provided in various settings, as adjustment continues to be expressed years after stroke.

KEYWORDS. :

• Stroke
• fall
• fear of falling
• balance confidence
• phenomenological qualitative research