Demographic Factors Influencing the Completion of a Falls Prevention Program

Introduction: There is increasing evidence that falls and fear of falling can precipitate loss of independence and affect the quality of life of older adults. Therefore, understanding determinants of completion of falls prevention program among older adults is of great importance.

Methods: A Matter of Balance (MOB) and Un Asunto de Equilibrio (ADE) workshops were offered to 1,665 older adults in South Florida between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Workshops were conducted in English or Spanish over eight, two-hour sessions. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire that contained questions about gender, age, county, Race/Ethnicity, language, marital status, number of people in household, income and education. Demographic determinants of program maintenance were identified using logistic regression.

Results: For most demographic variables, there were no significant differences between those who completed and did not complete the program. Only race was found to be a significant predictor of program completion for MOB. Blacks were four times more likely to complete the program than Whites (OR=3.96, p= 0.02). For ADE, gender was found to be significant predictor of program completion. Females were two times more likely to complete the program than males (OR= 1.79, p=.027).

Conclusion: Other than race and gender, no other demographic variables predicted program completion for either MOB or ADE. Future research needs to explore why certain groups had a higher likelihood of not completing either program. Identifying factors that may influence program completion may lead to lower program attrition rates.