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ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify fall risk factors in community-living people 75 years or older. Methods: From a random selection of 525 older adults, a total of 378 (72%) individuals participated in the study. Mean age was 81.7 years (range 75–101 years). A study-specific questionnaire including self-reported fall history for the past 6 months, the Falls-Efficacy Scale (Swedish version: FES(S)) and EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ5D) was used. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to find risk factors for falls. Results: The strongest significant predictor of falls was scoring low on FES(S) in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), with an odds ratio of 7.89 (95% confidence interval 2.93–21.25). One fifth had experienced one or more falls during the past 6 months. Both fall-related self-efficacy and health-related quality of life were significantly lower among fallers. Conclusion: Our results imply that identifying community-living older adults with an increased risk of falling should include a measure of fall-related self-efficacy in IADL.