Older adults' views on barriers and facilitators to participate in a multifactorial falls prevention program: Results...

To understand the reasons older people engage in a multifactorial fall prevention program and, to identify the barriers and facilitators for adherence.

Cross-sectional study, with 218 older adults from the intervention group of a 12-week multifactorial fall prevention program (Prevquedas Brazil). We interviewed participants using a semi-structured questionnaire concerning reasons to engage in, barriers, and facilitators to participating in the program. We compared participants with low (0-5 sessions) and moderate/high (6-12 sessions) adherence regarding barriers and facilitators.

Physical and mental health problems (55 %), and competing demands (45.2 %) were the most frequent barriers reported. Pleasant environment (97.7 %), a sense of receiving proper care (96.7 %), and empathy with the team (96.7 %) were the main facilitators. Seven out of the twelve facilitators distinguished participants with high adherence from those with low adherence. Only the barriers related to the program characteristics and the lack of social support were able to identify participants with low adherence. Open-ended questions revealed that self-determination, commitment, and the desire of being physically active and fit promoted participation. Anticipated health benefits and functional gains, a need to take action due to fall consequences, and encouragement from others were among the reasons to engage in the program.

Although barriers should not be neglected, facilitators are critically important for adherence. Health professionals may develop skills to facilitate uptake and optimize older adults' participation. Implementing sustainable fall prevention programs in low and middle-income countries requires overcoming the fragmentation and inflexibility of healthcare services.