Exploring the relationship between perceived susceptibility and severity of falling among older adults in Singapore

Despite extensive research about improving the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions, at-risk individuals are not always willing recipients. Reasons for rejecting treatments are still poorly understood. Applying the health belief model (HBM), if perceived severity and susceptibility can be understood in the context of falling, this might better inform intervention designs.

Sixty-two participants were recruited from inpatient wards at a local acute hospital. Participants completed two self-report questionnaires, the Staying Independent Checklist (SIC) and the Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I), measuring perceived susceptibility and severity respectively.

One-way ANOVA analysis revealed a significant association between FES-I total scores and SIC score categories [F (1,60) = 6.277, p = .015].Stepwise regression with backward elimination also found that falls history (β = .292, p = .033), sex (β = .269, p = .042), and FIM lower body dressing (β = - .286, p = .035) had significant associations with FES-I scores.

Level of perceived susceptibility and severity of falling should be considered when determining if falls prevention interventions are relevant, regardless of functional ability and physical health status. Future research to determine the underlying mechanisms which drives health behaviours related to falls prevention should be conducted.