A Multinomial Regression Model of Risk for Falls (RFF) Factors Among Filipino Elderly in a Community Setting

Abstract

The etiology of falls is multifactorial. Internationally, nurses are challenged to address this problem through assessment and intervention. Anchored on Pender's Health Promotion Model (1996) and the McGill Model of Nursing developed by Dr. Allen (Gottlieb & Rowat, 1987), a hypothesized model was grounded to explain the relationship of environmental safety, depression, autonomy, and support system to the risk for falls of the Filipino elderly in a community setting. This study was conducted to test a model that describes the relationship of environmental safety, depression, autonomy, and support system to the risk for falls of Filipino elderly found in the community setting. A six-part, multiaspect questionnaire was administered to 125 elderly respondents from a community in Bulacan, Philippines. Using descriptive analysis, the demographic profile of the respondents was characterized. Multinomial regression analysis was used to test the model. A model with adequate fit emerged (F-ratio = 6.071), which revealed that only environmental safety (standardized β = .28 and p value =.001) and depression (standardized β = .24 and p value =.006) significantly impacts the risk for falls; autonomy and support system did not display any statistical significance and were not considered direct determinants of the risk for falls. With the results of the study, the researchers look forward to the risk for falls being decreased and managed through early identification of the risk factors. Also, the model would contribute in the efforts of nurses as it serves as a guide on how environmental safety and depression among elderly Filipinos relate to the risk for falls.

Notes

^a May or not be self-employed.

^b Currently living with the elderly.

^a Model 1: Environmental safety, Autonomy, Depression, Support system.