Factors associated with fear of falling and fall-related injuries among people who use wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose

To identify the factors associated with the fear of falling (FOF) and fall-related injuries (FRI) among full-time wheelchair and motorized mobility scooter (WC/S) users with various health conditions.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included participants (≥18 years old) who used WC/S for at least one year for ≥ 75% of mobility and had a history of ≥ 1 fall in the past three years. Logistic regression models identified factors associated with FOF (yes/no) and FRI (yes/no) during the past year. Data on demographics, prior falls, mental health, environmental accessibility, and WC/S usage were used as independent variables.

Results

Among 156 participants, 96% reported at least one fall within the past year, among whom 94.6% reported FOF, and 74% reported FRI within the same period. FOF was associated with fall incidence in the past year (OR = 17.75, p = 0.001). FRI was associated with higher levels of anxiety (OR = 1.15, p = 0.003) and fewer hours of WC/S use per week (OR = 0.98, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

This study highlights the high prevalence of FOF and FRI among WC/S users who had falls. The findings emphasized the relation between prior fall experiences and FOF and underscored the significance of addressing anxiety symptoms and WC/S usage in relation to FRI.

IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION

• Among individuals with a variety of health conditions who use wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters full-time for most of their mobility and have experienced at least one fall incident within the past year, the prevalence of psychosocial and physical consequences of falls (fear of falling and fall-related injuries) is relatively high.

• Given the significant association between an individual’s previous fall experiences and the likelihood of fear of falling, continuous screening for falls is a crucial step toward fall prevention for people who use wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters full-time.

• Recognizing the importance of the unique needs of individuals who use wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters and tailoring interventions like wheelchair skills and anxiety management education may enhance overall rehabilitation outcomes.

Keywords:

• Accidental falls
• fear of falling
• wounds and injuries
• rehabilitation
• wheelchair

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to the study participants for their contributions to the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, LR. The data are not publicly available due to containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.

Additional information

Funding

Funding to support the salaries of the study authors was provided by the Department of Kinesiology and Community at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago.