Personal preferences of participation in fall prevention programmes: a descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Low participation rates in fall prevention programs limit their effectiveness in reducing injurious falls among older adults.
• A preference-based approach may enhance engagement in fall prevention interventions.
• Understanding older adults' preferences is crucial for designing effective fall prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the personal preferences of older adults regarding fall prevention programs.
• To explore the association between these preferences and program participation.

Main Methods:

• Assessed personal preferences of 134 older adults for fall prevention programs (location, group vs. individual, cost).
• Offered nine different programs, prioritizing those matching participant preferences.
• Evaluated participation levels after 12 weeks using questionnaires and logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

• Preferences varied significantly: 49% preferred home-based exercise, 46% preferred exercising alone, and 41% desired free programs.
• A significant portion (27%) preferred a combination of external location, group setting, and a fee.
• Neither the presence of preferences nor the degree of program-preference match correlated with participation levels.

Conclusions:

• Fall prevention programs should cater to diverse preferences, including home-based, individual, and free options.
• Healthcare providers should collaborate to improve access to existing group-based fall prevention programs.
• Tailoring programs to specific subgroups is essential for increasing participation in fall prevention initiatives.