Application of the precaution adoption process model to reduce the risk of falls in healthy community-dwelling elders over the age of 65

Falls among the elderly are a leading cause of death and disability and considered a serious worldwide public-health problem. Literature suggests that a multifactorial approach to fall-risk reduction is most effective, yet elders continue to fall with increasing rates of fall-related deaths. The purpose of this quasiexperimental control group prettest-posttest design study was to apply the precaution adoption process model (PAPM) to an educational intervention aimed at raising falls-risk awareness in healthy community-dwelling elders over the age of 65. The research questions examined awareness of fall risk, the effect of the intervention, and the potential for use in social marketing. A convenience sample of 37 elders completed either a web-based or paper-and-pencil self-assessment tool to assess 12 of the most common fall risk factors and identify their PAPM stage. The small sample size was due to sample mortality related to lack of Internet access. The experimental group received a tailored fall-prevention printout based on their responses with suggestions to encourage current fall prevention efforts. The majority (51.35%) of participants were unaware of their fall risk. The results suggested that the experimental group participants, compared to those in the control group, were more likely to move to a higher stage of fall precaution adoption. Further study with a larger cohort is recommended to improve generalizability. Implications for social change include development of improved fall reduction social-marketing messages and preemptive intervention at the primary care level; both could result in increased quality of life for the elder and decreased costs to society.