Comparison of the Validity of Four Fall-Related Psychological Measures in a Community-Based Falls Risk Screening

Abstract

We examined the measurement properties of fall-related psychological instruments with a sample of 133 older adults (M age = 74.4 years, SD = 9.4). Measures included the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument, Falls-efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC), modified Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly (mSAFFE), Consequences of Falling (CoF), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The FES-I, ABC, mSAFFE, and CoF were significantly correlated with each other, with SF-36, and with mobility. The ABC and mSAFFE were significantly correlated with PASE. The ABC differentiated between fallers and nonfallers and predicted total falls risk. Findings can assist with the selection of psychological instruments in a falls risk screening context.

Key words:

• aging
• falls prevention
• measurement

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca Ellis

This research was supported by an AAHPERD Research Consortium Graduate Student Grant (PI = Moore) and a grant from the Faculty Research Grant Program at Louisiana State University (PI = Ellis). This work is based on Moore's doctoral dissertation, completed at Louisiana State University under the direction of her advisor, Rebecca Ellis. At the time of this study, Rebecca Ellis, Delilah S. Moore, Jennifer M. Fabre, and Robert H. Wood were with the Department of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University (LSU). We thank the community leaders for their participation and the undergraduate students at LSU who volunteered to assist with the screenings. Please address correspondence concerning this article to Rebecca Ellis, Department of Kinesiology and Health, PO Box 3975, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302.