Development and validation of a fall risk Questionnaire in Greek community-dwelling individuals over 60 years old

Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls, 2022 · DOI: 10.22540/JFSF-07-133 · Published: September 1, 2022

Aging Research Methodology & Design Public Health

Simple Explanation

Falls are a significant health concern for the elderly, leading to morbidity and mortality. Identifying individuals at a higher risk of falling is essential for implementing preventive measures. This study focuses on creating a reliable tool to recognize those at risk. The authors developed and tested a new questionnaire called LRMS (Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System) to assess fall risk in Greek individuals over 60. This questionnaire is self-reported and easy to use, aiming to identify individuals who need further evaluation. The LRMS questionnaire was compared to existing tools like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and Tinetti Assessment Tool. The results showed that LRMS correlates well with these established methods, indicating its potential for accurate fall risk assessment.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

200 individuals, 173 included in final analysis (Greek community-dwelling individuals over 60)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The LRMS Questionnaire demonstrated high correlation with established fall risk assessment tools such as TUG, FES-I, and Tinetti Assessment Tool.
2
The LRMS Questionnaire exhibited excellent test–retest reliability, indicating stability of patient responses over time.
3
The LRMS Questionnaire showed sufficient internal consistency, suggesting that the questions are interdependent and homogeneous in measuring fall risk.

Research Summary

This study aimed to develop and validate a fall risk questionnaire (LRMS) for Greek community-dwelling individuals over 60 years old. The LRMS questionnaire is a self-reported, 11-item tool designed for use in primary care to identify individuals requiring more in-depth fall risk evaluation. The LRMS questionnaire demonstrated sufficient internal consistency, excellent test–retest reliability, and high correlation with established fall risk assessment tools. Statistical analysis confirmed its validity and reliability for assessing fall risk. The study concludes that the LRMS questionnaire is a reliable and accurate tool for identifying older adults at high fall risk and can be used as an initial screening tool in primary care. It can be self-administered or administered by non-specialized personnel quickly.

Practical Implications

Primary Care Screening

The LRMS questionnaire can be used as a quick and easy initial screening tool in primary care settings to identify individuals at high risk of falls.

Personalized Prevention Plans

Based on the LRMS questionnaire results, primary care physicians can develop personalized fall prevention plans tailored to individual needs.

Telehealth Applications

The LRMS questionnaire can be administered over the phone, making it accessible to individuals who cannot leave their homes.

Study Limitations

1
The LRMS Questionnaire was developed as an initial screening tool specific to Greek individuals and may not be directly applicable to other populations.
2
The study excluded individuals with cognitive impairment, limiting the generalizability of the LRMS Questionnaire to this high-risk group.
3
Certain potentially relevant risk factors, such as hearing impairment and footwear, were excluded from the final version of the LRMS Questionnaire.

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