Association of Perceived Balance Problem With Fall Prevention Behavior Among Rurally Hospitalized Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Inpatient falls among older adults remain a relentless problem. Objective To use a multivariable regression model to assess the degree to which perceived balance problem, balance confidence, fear of falling (FOF), and falls history are associated with fall prevention behavior among hospitalized older adults. Method A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using survey data collected among 70 rurally hospitalized older adults (F = 57.1%, Mage = 77.8; SD = 8.7). Results Fifty-one participants (72.9%) responded yes to having a balance problem, and only 18 participants (25.7%) responded yes to being at fall risk. The regression analysis found that older adults who indicated a balance problem reported greater fall prevention behavior ( b = .38; SE = .17; p = .030; r semi-partial = . 22). No other variable in the model was independently associated with fall prevention behavior.