Accidental Fall, Fall Prevention, Fall Risk Factors
Conditions
Keywords
older adults, accidental fall, fall prevention, nursing education
Brief summary
This study investigates the effect of a structured fall-prevention education program on safe fall-related behaviors in older adults. Falls are a common and serious problem among older individuals and may lead to injuries, loss of independence, and decreased quality of life. The study includes older adults at high risk of falls who are randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group participates in two interactive educational sessions covering fall risk factors, home safety, safe behaviors, and preventive strategies, followed by a question-and-answer discussion. The control group receives an informational brochure only. Participants' fall-related behaviors are assessed before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured, interactive education in improving fall-prevention behaviors among older adults.
Detailed description
Falls among older adults are a major public health concern, causing injuries, loss of independence, and increased healthcare costs. Nursing-led educational interventions play a key role in increasing awareness and promoting protective behaviors. This study is designed as a pretest-posttest, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to be conducted with older adults attending a family health center in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. Participants are classified as high fall risk according to the Morse Fall Risk Scale. Inclusion criteria include age 65 or older, Turkish literacy, and consent to participate. Exclusion criteria include prior fall education, communication problems, or low fall risk scores. The intervention group receives a structured fall-prevention education program consisting of two 25-minute interactive sessions, separated by a 10-minute break. The first session addresses intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors, while the second focuses on home safety modifications, safe behaviors, and health measures, concluding with a question-and-answer segment. The control group receives a brochure only. Data will be collected using the Personal Information Form, Morse Fall Risk Scale, and Fall Behaviors Scale for Older Adults. Statistical analyses will include paired and independent t-tests to assess within-group and between-group differences. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Sivas Cumhuriyet University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2024-07/32, 18 July 2024), along with written permission from the Provincial Directorate of Health. All participants will provide written informed consent, and the study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki principles.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALStructured Fall-Prevention Education
The intervention consisted of a structured, interactive fall-prevention education program for older adults at high risk of falls. The program included two 25-minute sessions with a 10-minute break in between. The first session focused on intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors, such as muscle weakness, balance and gait problems, chronic diseases, polypharmacy, visual impairments, inappropriate footwear, and environmental hazards like poor lighting or slippery floors. The second session focused on preventive strategies, including home safety modifications (e.g., non-slip mats, grab bars), safe behaviors (e.g., standing up slowly, proper use of assistive devices), and health-related measures (e.g., balance exercises, nutrition, hydration). Sessions concluded with a question-and-answer segment tailored to individual concerns. This program emphasizes active participation and practical skills, distinguishing it from passive information-only interventions, such as brochures or written mate
BEHAVIORALFall-Prevention Informational Brochure
Participants received a printed informational brochure containing general information about fall risk factors and fall-prevention strategies. No structured educational sessions or interactive training were provided.
Sponsors
Betul Esra Cevik
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 65 years or older * Native Turkish speaker * Literate in Turkish * High score on the Morse Fall Risk Scale * Provided informed consent to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Not a native Turkish speaker * Younger than 65 years of age * Presence of communication problems * Low score on the Morse Fall Risk Scale * Previously received fall-related education * Declined to participate in the study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fall-Related Behaviors | Baseline and 3 months after the intervention | Fall-related behaviors of older adults will be assessed using a structured questionnaire that evaluates behaviors associated with fall risk and fall prevention in daily life. The assessment includes behaviors related to mobility, environmental safety, use of assistive devices, and safety precautions. Higher scores indicate safer behaviors related to fall prevention. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge About Fall Risk and Prevention | Baseline and immediately after the intervention | Participants' knowledge regarding fall risk factors and fall-prevention strategies will be assessed using a structured questionnaire developed for older adults. The questionnaire evaluates awareness of intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors and knowledge of preventive measures to reduce fall risk in daily life. Higher scores indicate greater knowledge about fall prevention. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed