Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue: 10

Factors Associated with Fear of Falls in Indian Elderly: A Systematic Review

1Assistant Professor, PhD Scholar, Physiotherapy Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab

3Director/Principal, Amar Jyoti Institute of Physiotherapy, University of Delhi

2Assistant Professor, Physiotherapy Department, Punjabi University, Patiala

Abstract

Fear of falls (FOF) is a risk for falls and collateral morbidity as it imposes self-limitations on activity. Given the increasing population of elderly in India, its unique unstructured physical environment, cultural practices and paucity of research, it was important to have a strong understanding of FOF and the factors associated with it.

Determination ofprevalence and factors associated with fear of falls in the Indian elderly from review of literature.

A systematic review based on PRISMA guidelineswas used to synthesize and analyse existing literature.

Six Indian studies met the inclusion criteria and were utilized for synthesis. The prevalence of FOF ranged from 33.2% to 44.2%, and various biological, psychological and social factors were found to be associated with FOF.

There is high prevalence of FOF in India. Inspite of its serious impact on health and quality of life of elderly, this construct is inadequately studied within the Indian context.

Keywords

Fear of Fall, Indian, Elderly, Factors associated, Falls