Article

OBJECTIVE: To gain a deeper understanding of the content of 4 fear of falling
(FOF) rating scales by linking them to the International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). DESIGN: Linking study according to the
ICF linking rules. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENTS: Not applicable. METHODS:
The rating scales were the Falls Efficacy Scale-International
(FES-I), the
Swedish version of the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES[S]), the Activities-specific
Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and the modified Survey of Activities and Fear of
Falling in the Elderly (SAFFE). The process followed the established and updated
linking rules. Three linkers independently identified all meaningful concepts in
the rating scales and linked them to the most precise ICF categories. The linkers
then discussed their results to reach consensus. If consensus was not attained,
the linkers pursued the discussions with a fourth person to reach consensus. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Not applicable. RESULTS: Most meaningful concepts from the
overall questions were linked to the ICF component of body functions. Of the 62
items, all but one meaningful concept were linked to the component of activities
and participation. All 4 rating scales covered the chapters of mobility and
domestic life and had most linkages to the mobility chapter. CONCLUSIONS: The
linking process revealed similarities and differences between the 4 FOF rating
scales, as well as methodologic challenges in linking instruments to the ICF. By
providing a content description that allows for a direct comparison of the rating
scales, the results may be helpful when choosing an appropriate rating scale
assessing FOF in clinical practice and research.
A further head-to-head
comparison through psychometric analyses is required to recommend appropriate FOF
rating scales. Studies are also needed to investigate how the overall question
and response categories of a rating scale affect respondents' answers.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS