Factors Related to Fall Prevention Behaviors Among The Elderly in Waeng Noi Sub-district, Waeng Noi District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to assess factors related to fall prevention behavior among the elderly in Waeng Noi Sub-district, Waeng Noi District, Khon Kaen Province. A proportional stratified sampling method was used to randomly recruit 322 elderly from the registered list, based on inclusion criteria of 13 villages. Data collection was conducted between February and March 2024 using a questionnaire. The results showed that 78.9% of the participants were female, with an average age of 68.73 years (SD=6.95). In the past year, 28.3% of the participants had fallen. Additionally, 18.3% reported using cane, crutches, or other mobility aids. Regarding knowledge about fall prevention, 53.1% demonstrated a prominent level of understanding, while 97.2% exhibited a good perception regarding fall prevention. Moreover, 54.7% received a satisfactory level of encouragement and reminders from people around them, 57.4% expressed a high fear of falling, and 91.3% engaged in good fall prevention behaviors. Binary logistic regression indicated that elderly individuals who did not use canes, crutches, or other mobility aids were 3.85 times more likely to have good fall prevention behaviors compared to those who did (95% CI AOR=1.59 to 9.09). In addition, those who received good levels of encouragement and reminders from people around them were 4.54 times more likely to have good fall prevention behavior than those who received poor levels of such support (95% CI AOR=1.50 to 13.75). Therefore, dual support integrating instrumental assistance with emotional and social support should be promoted through community networks, with particular emphasis on providing encouragement and reminders to elderly individuals who use mobility aids to strengthen fall prevention behaviors among the elderly.