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Modified Fall Risk Appraisal Matrix and Mental Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Dahee Kim1, Ladda Thiamwong1, Yingru Li2
1Department of Nursing System, College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA.
Clinical Gerontologist
|December 29, 2025
Summary
This study explored how older adults perceive their fall risk. Those with high perceived risk and fear of falling reported worse mental health and more falls, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Public Health
- Psychology of Aging
- Fall Prevention Research
Background:
- Fall risk appraisal is crucial for older adults' safety.
- Existing methods may not fully capture psychological and experiential fall risk factors.
- A modified fall risk appraisal (mFRA) matrix was developed to address these gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a modified fall risk appraisal (mFRA) matrix using self-assessed fall risk (SFR) and fear of falling (FOF).
- To compare mental health and characteristics across four mFRA groups: Rational, Irrational, Incongruent, and Congruent.
- To provide empirical evidence for designing targeted fall prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 181 older adults in Central Florida.
- Measured self-assessed fall risk (SFR) using the CDC checklist.
- Assessed fear of falling (FOF) with the Short Fall Efficacy Scale-International.
- Performed descriptive and group comparison analyses using SPSS.
Main Results:
- Participants were categorized into Rational (44.2%), Irrational (6.6%), Incongruent (14.4%), and Congruent (34.8%) groups.
- The Rational group exhibited better mental health, fewer falls, and higher health literacy.
- The Congruent group reported worse mental health, more falls, and lower health literacy.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the multidimensional nature of fall risk in older adults.
- Interventions should consider both experiential (SFR) and psychological (FOF) fall risks.
- This research informs the development of more effective fall prevention programs.
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