Validation of the modified Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I) in Egyptian geriatric population

Abstract

Falls are a common and complex geriatric syndrome that cause Considerable mortality, morbidity, reduced functioning, and premature nursing home admissions (Laurence et al., 2006). The fear of falling has negative consequences for older adults’ physical and functional well-being, degree of independence, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and restriction on physical activity (Delbaere et al.,2006). Fall risk screening tools developed to identify individuals at risk of falling and are frequently used as a part of falls prevention programs in hospitals (Terry et al., 2007). It may include questionnaires as Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and/or simple office test procedures as Timed Up and Go test, also investigation of the cognitive function (as a risk for fall) may be completed by implementation of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) is one of the questionnaires that assesses fear of falling.