Relationship Between Biophysical Factors and Perceptions and Fall Prevention Behaviors of Elderly People in Lumkaw Sub-District, Khok Samrong District, Lopburi Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to study: 1) levels of perceptions and fall prevention behaviors of the elderly; 2) relationship between biophysical factors and fall prevention behaviors of the elderly; and 3) relationship between perceptions and fall prevention behaviors of the elderly in Lumkaw Sub-District, Khok Samrong District, Lopburi province. Participants were 244 elderly people. Questionnaires were used to collect the data of perceptions and fall prevention behaviors of the elderly with their reliability of 0.70 and 0.68 respectively. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test.

The results showed that most of the samples had their perceptions of fall prevention at a high level (70.08%) and had their fall prevention behaviors at a good level (63.52%). There was a significant correlation between biophysical factor related to age, 80-89 years old, and fall prevention behaviors of the elderly (p<0.001), while genders, careers, diseases and fall history within six months had no correlation. Regarding perceptions of fall prevention and fall prevention behaviors, there was a significant correlation (p<0.001).

This study could recommend that those who are involved in health promotion and public health staff or personnel should promote proper activities related to fall prevention behavior in the elderly in particular the elderly aged 80 and over to keep avoiding them from fall and help them to improve their quality of life.