Facilitators and barriers to enrolling in falls prevention programming among community dwelling older adults

The purpose of this cross-sectional survey study was to identify factors that increase the likelihood of enrolling in falls prevention programming among community dwelling older adults. A convenience sample of 369 participants completed a written, selfadministered questionnaire on history and beliefs related to falls, and facilitators and barriers associated with enrollment. History of falling, fear of falling, self-efficacy, and recognition of program benefits were all associated with a greatly likelihood to enroll in falls prevention programming. Additionally, seven facilitators were associated with greater likelihood to enroll, including offered close to home (OR = 6.75(3.829-11.898); p = 0.000), free vision screen (OR = 4.816 (1.442-16.084); p = 0.005), friendly leader (OR = 3.930 (2.049-7.538); p = 0.000), coffee hour to socialize (OR = 3.789 (1.309-10.971); p = 0.009), no cost (OR = 3.653 (2.125-6.253); p = 0.000), group exercise (OR = 2.584 (1.341-4.980); p = 0.004), and safe place (OR = 2.378 (1.181-4.789); p = 0.013). Physician advice to attend a program, however, was not associated with likelihood to register (p = 0.99), supporting the need for a paradigm shift from physicians serving as the key change-agent in falls prevention to multiple partnerships. In addition, although 72% of participants were likely to register for a falls prevention program, only 28% knew if a program was being offered in their community. These findings highlight a critical need to disseminate information about falls prevention programming through social marketing in locations where older adults go in their everyday lives.