Fall Prevention Behaviour and Its Predictors Among Older Adults in a Tertiary Centre, Malaysia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Falls are a leading cause of injury and disability among older adults, posing a significant public health challenge. In Malaysia, the prevalence of falls among community-dwelling older adults varies widely. Despite the availability of fall prevention programmes, adoption remains limited. This study aimed to assess fall prevention behaviour and its associated factors among older persons attending Klinik Rawatan Keluarga, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 213 older adults selected via systematic sampling at a primary care clinic in Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia. Data on socio-demographics, comorbidities, and fall history were collected. The validated Malay version of the Fall Prevention Knowledge and Behaviour (FPKB) questionnaire was used to evaluate participants’ knowledge and behaviour. Logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate the associations between sociodemographic, medical characteristics, fall history, Fall Risk Assessment (FRA), and Fall Prevention Knowledge with Fall Prevention Behaviours. RESULTS: Results showed that 43.7% had poor fall prevention knowledge, and 44.1% demonstrated inadequate preventive behaviour. Participants with good knowledge had significantly lower odds of poor behaviour (OR=0.425; 95% CI: 0.244–0.740; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the crucial role of health literacy in fostering effective fall prevention practices. Strengthening educational interventions in clinical settings may enhance behavioural outcomes and reduce fall-related risks among older adults.