Article

The aims of the study were to assess self-reported fear of falling (FOF)
and functional ability among community-dwelling elderly people 3-6 months post
hospital discharge after a hip fracture, to investigate the association between
FOF and functional ability, and to explore the lived experience of FOF and
disability when recovering from a hip fracture. METHOD:
A sequential explanatory
mixed method design was used in a "face-to-face" survey assessing FOF (Falls
Efficacy Scale-International, FES-I), avoidance of activities (Modified survey of
Activities and Fear of Falling, mSAFFE), functional ability (Functional Recovery
Score, FRS), and mobility (New Mobility Score, NMS) followed by in-depth
interviews of four participants. Interviews were analyzed using systematic text
condensation. RESULTS: Among the 33 participants 58% had a high degree of FOF and
avoided more activities, needed more assistance in activities of daily living,
and were less mobile than participants who had a low degree of FOF (p < 0.0001).
According to the informants FOF reduced their functional ability and seriously
altered their lives. CONCLUSIONS: FOF was common and significantly associated
with activity avoidance, disability, and affected the lives of elderly recovering
from a hip fracture. Some patients were physically incapacitated by FOF.

Langue : ANGLAIS