Article

This study examined (1) the relationship of fear of falling to
depression, anxiety, activity level, and activity restriction and (2) whether
depression or anxiety predicted fear of falling, activity level, activity
restriction, or changes in activity level. METHOD. We administered the Survey of
Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly; the Geriatric Depression Scale-30;
and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, IVR Version, during a one-time visit to 99
community-dwelling adults >/=55 yr old. RESULTS. We found significant
relationships between (1) fear of falling and depression, anxiety, and activity
level; (2) depression and anxiety; and (3) activity restriction and depression.
Activity level was negatively correlated with activity restriction, fear of
falling, depression, and anxiety. Anxiety predicted both fear of falling and
activity level. Both anxiety and depression predicted activity restriction
because of fear of falling and for other reasons. CONCLUSION. Occupational
therapy practitioners should consider screening their older adult clientele for
fear of falling, anxiety, and depression because these states may lead to fall
risk and activity restriction.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS