| The present study examined the prevalence of fear of falling (FoF), and its relationship to personality traits and risk taking among older male veterans, with the research objectives being to determine the prevalence and predictors of FoF in older male veterans and compare veterans' self-report with their wives' ratings of veterans' falls, FoF, and fall injuries. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of older male veterans using mailing lists from a local veterans hospital. Wives of veterans who agreed to participate were then separately invited to complete questionnaires rating their husband's FoF, falls efficacy, and fall-related injuries. Of those contacted, 158 veteran-spouses dyads, ages 70--85, responded. At baseline, veterans' variables included military history, health and demographics, personality traits, a history of risk-taking, FoF, falls, and fall injuries. Wives rated the veterans' FoF and falls data on their surveys. Three months later veterans and wives received separate mailed follow-up surveys, each rating falls, FoF, and fall injuries experienced by the veteran since baseline. Results indicated that of veterans, 23% had fallen, 48% experienced near-falls, and 33% had fear of falling within the six months prior to baseline. Veterans and spouses exhibited significant interrater agreement on falls, FoF, and fall injuries. Multiple regression analyses revealed that previous falls, declining health, pain, and certain medications were associated with increased FoF, while extraversion was associated with less FoF. Results also revealed that FoF, declining health, and near falls were predictive of FoF at three month follow-up, and that falls efficacy and baseline FoF were predictive of future falls and injuries. Agreement levels between veterans and spouses suggested that spouses could serve as proxies for falls and related information. Implications are that in order to reduce injuries and medical costs due to falls, fall reduction programs for veterans should incorporate FoF prevention. |
