Elderly Health Journal

Introduction: Due to the Increasing elderly population and the high prevalence of psychological, social and physical problems among them, this study was conducted to determine fear of falling and social participation status among elderly people in Mobarakeh city, Isfahan province, Iran in 2016.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 300 elderly residents of Mobarakeh city were randomly recruited by cluster sampling. Data collection tools were demographic questionnaire, Falls Efficacy Scale-International form and social participation scale of Canadian Community Health Survey. Mini Mental State Examination also was used to diagnose cognitive disorders. Data were analyzed with SPSS software using t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results: The mean age of participants was 70.83 ± 8.68 years and the mean score of fear of falling was 33.25 ± 16.37 (16-64). Regarding the fear level, 22.3 % had no fear, 34.3 % low fear, 20 % moderate fear, and 23% a high fear of falling. Mean score of social participation was 16 ± 4.63 (8-40). The most frequently reported social participation activity was attending religious ceremonies (99.7 %) while the least was attending professional and social forums (79.3 %). There was an inverse significant correlation between fear of falling and social participation (r = -0.421, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Level of fear of falling in the elderlies was moderate while social participation was low. By using preventive measures, effective education, psychological and social interventions, disease-control programs and removing the existing obstacles, the fear of falling could be reduced and social participation could be promoted among the elderlies.