RESEARCH - Correlates of falls and fear of falling among adults with RA

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Arthritis Care & Research

7 October 2003

Correlates of falls and fear of falling among adults with rheumatoid

arthritis

n Jamison 1 *, Geri B. Neuberger 2, Peggy A. 2

1Graceland University, Independence, Missouri

2University of Kansas School of Nursing, Kansas City

email: n Jamison (mjamison2@...)

Abstract

Objective

To identify correlates of falling and fear of falling, and to examine

how fear of falling affects activities among adults with rheumatoid

arthritis (RA).

Methods

Adults (mean age 54.2 years; SD 9.1) with RA (n = 128) responded to

questions related to falls, fear of falling, and activities modified. Other

measures included the Profile of Mood States Short Form, the McGill Pain

Questionnaire Short Form, walk time, grip strength, predicted maximum oxygen

uptake, and joint count.

Results

Thirty-five percent of participants fell during the previous year.

Subjects who fell had more comorbid conditions than subjects who did not

fall. Almost 60% were fearful of falling. Compared with subjects who denied

fear of falling, fearful subjects had longer walk times, more comorbid

conditions, and more intense pain. Activities affected most by fear of

falling involved heavy work and climbing.

Conclusions

The number of comorbid conditions plays an important role in falling

and fear of falling in adults with RA. Knowledge of this and other factors,

such as pain intensity and functional status, can facilitate appropriate

interventions.

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/105561269/ABSTRACT

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