Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Dr. Bartlett
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed method study was to understand self-reported behaviour and
beliefs of community-dwelling older adults who have fallen once, and how they participate in fall prevention. In a serial case study of eight community-dwelling older adults completed three clinical balance tests, (the Timed Up & Go test, Berg Balance Scale and Biodex Balance SystemTM Fall Risk Test), three questionnaires addressing falls (Falls Efficacy Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Falls Behavioural Scale for the Older Person) and one-on-one interviews before and after an education session. The embedded design (Creswell 2007) was used to structure quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Clinical balance test scores, questionnaire data and qualitative findings were not always aligned. The process of awareness revealed for fall prevention was not a linear, stepped process for these participants but rather a fluctuating curve of ‘having concern, being careful’, ‘accepting’, and action related to falls.
Recommended Citation
Gopaul, Karen J., "Fall Risk Beliefs and Behaviours following a ‘Good Fall’: A Mixed Methods Study" (2009). Digitized Theses. 4046.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4046