Fall-Risk Assessment in the Elderly Using the Persian Version of Fall-Risk Screening Tool: A Population-Based Study

Falling is a serious challenge for public health and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. This study conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of fall risk screening tool (P-FRST).

A cross-sectional study carried out from September 2018 to March 2019 on 537 elders who referred to urban health centers in Kerman, Iran. Demographic data recorded and fall-risk assessment was performed using P-FRST and the timed up and go test (TUG). The maximum possible score is 33 for P-FRST and score ≥18 is considered as high risk. The time ≥12 s in TUG test considered as a risk for falling. Data analyzed by SPSS using t-test, analysis of variance, and linear regression.

The mean age of participants was 67.18 ± 6.93. According to P-FRST, 22% of the elderly were high risk and 62% had a moderate risk for falling. The mean score for falling risk was significantly higher in the females, illiterates, income <10 million IRRLs, and the unemployed.

Due to the risk of falling in the elderly, it is suggested that in the comprehensive health care for the elderly, to assess the risk of falling, especially in high-risk groups, so that preventive interventions can be made.