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The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). A comprehensive longitudinal validation study
Kim Delbaere1, Jacqueline C T Close, A Stefanie Mikolaizak
1Falls and Balance Research Group, Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, Australia.
Age and Ageing
|January 12, 2010
Summary
The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) demonstrates good structure, validity, and reliability for both 16-item and 7-item versions. These scales are recommended for research and clinical use in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychometrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Fear of falling significantly impacts older adults' quality of life and independence.
- The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) is a widely used tool to assess this fear.
- Comprehensive validation is crucial for reliable measurement of fall efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the 16-item and 7-item Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) comprehensively.
- To investigate the scales' structure, measurement properties, convergent and predictive validity, and responsiveness to change.
Main Methods:
- 500 community-dwelling older adults (70-90 years) were assessed at baseline and 12 months.
- Evaluated FES-I alongside demographic, physiological, and neuropsychological measures.
- Monitored falls monthly and fear of falling quarterly.
Main Results:
- Item response theory confirmed good structure and measurement properties for both FES-I versions.
- Excellent convergent and predictive validity were demonstrated using physiological and neuropsychological measures.
- FES-I scores increased over time, with a trend for greater increases following multiple falls; ROC curves defined cut-points.
Conclusions:
- Both 16-item and 7-item FES-I scales possess acceptable structures, good validity, and reliability.
- The FES-I is recommended for research and clinical applications in older populations.
- Further research should validate suggested cut-points and explore FES-I responsiveness in diverse settings and cultures.
