Influence of Fall-related Perception on Behavioral Intention of Fall Prevention among Hospitalized Older Patients

Purpose: This study aimed 1) to identify hospitalized older patients' fall-related perceptions (including subjective fall risk assessment, confidence in performing fall risk behavior, fear of falling, and recognition of fall consequences) and behavioral intention for fall prevention, and 2) to investigate the influence of fall-related perceptions on the behavioral intention for fall prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 hospitalized older patients admitted to a large general hospital. A structured questionnaire was administered from October 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Cohen's kappa and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized to analyze the data. Results: The average scores were 1.43±0.65 for the subjective fall risk assessment, 4.08±0.44 for confidence in performing fall risk behavior, and 2.04±0.61 for the behavioral intention for fall prevention, on a 1~5 scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of the attributes. They had an average of 1.48±0.56 for fear of falling and 2.43±0.35 for the recognition of fall consequences, on a 1~4 scale. Low agreement was found between the subjective fall risk assessment by hospitalized elderly patients and the objective fall risk assessment by nurses using the Morse Fall Scale. The hospitalized elderly patients' subjective fall risk assessment, confidence in performing fall risk behavior, and fear of falling were significant factors influencing behavioral intention for fall prevention. Conclusion: The approach to preventing falls among hospitalized older patients should include assessing fall-related perceptions and providing education to correct inappropriate perceptions about falls.