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Determinants of participation in a fall assessment and prevention programme among elderly fallers in Hong Kong:
Eliza L Y Wong1, Jean Woo, Annie W L Cheung
1School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong. anna-greta.mamhidir@hig.se
Aims:
The study was undertaken to estimate the uptake rate of a fall prevention programme among older fallers and explore related factors.
Background:
Fall injuries are a major cause nationally of the loss of independence in old age, but they are preventable. Acceptance of fall prevention programmes is therefore important to reduce the risk of falling.
Methods:
Patients aged ≥60 attending the Department of Accident & Emergency of a regional hospital in Hong Kong between 2006 and 2007 were recruited. The study included a baseline interview, focus group interview and a cross-sectional 1-year follow-up telephone survey to assess uptake and its related factors.
Results:
A total 68% of 1194 older people attended the fall programme. Factors associated with programme participation included the perception of fall as being preventable [OR=3.47, 95% CI (1.59-7.56)] or recoverable [OR=1.73, 95% CI (1.06-2.82)], a safe outside environment; absence of chronic illness, and ability to walk without aids. Old-age people, those living in old-age homes and of lower education level were less likely to join the programme.
Conclusion:
Older people with the selected characteristics were less likely to attend the fall prevention programme, thus were less likely to benefit from them. Support from family/carers may be an important element in participation. In a nursing context, in primary care practice, all of these factors should be taken into account in any future development of a fall prevention programme in Hong Kong of this nature.
