6015.0: Thursday, November 16, 2000 - 9:24 AM

Abstract #10993

Perceived risk for falls among elderly living at home: A qualitative study

Johanna S. Anderson, MPH, MS1, Nancy J. Thompson, PhD, MPH1, and M. Jean Gearing, PhD, MPH2. (1) Behavioral Science, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, (770)491-1674, jande02@sph.emory.edu, (2) Injury Control and Prevention, Dekalb County Department of Health, Decatur, GA

Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries in the United States for people 65 and older. Reducing disability due to falls will aid elderly, at all socioeconomic levels, to live at home longer, to maintain a sense of well-being, and to reduce care and cost burden on families and healthcare systems. Results from this study can assist in developing more effective interventions to prevent falls. Previous research has focused on biomedical factors, whereas this study uses the Health Belief Model and qualitative methods to examine the elderly's perceived risk of falling. Twenty-three active men and women, ages 64-89, participated in in-depth interviews. Results report their perceptions of risk for falls at home entrances, interior stairs, basement stairs, attic accesses, and climbing devices. The active elderly perceive risks differently in different locations at home; are more likely to think current behavior is adequate to protect themselves and do not consider environmental changes to be necessary. Familiarity with surroundings obscures recognition of hazards. Family pressures can be negative or positive in reducing risky behavior. Few individuals plan ahead for reduction in capabilities. Cues such as falls, near-falls, and learning about the experiences of others raise awareness of fall susceptibility and severity of outcome. At the conclusion of this presentation one will be able to: 1) identify barriers to safer behaviors 2) recognize focal points for environmental interventions 3) identify use of fall stories to increase awareness of risk

Learning Objectives: 1) identify barriers to safer behaviors among elderly 2) recognize focal points for environmental interventions 3) identify use of fall stories to increase awareness of risk

Keywords: Injury Risk, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA