Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Persian version of the self-assessment fall risk scale in older people

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Identification of the fall risk factors in older people to prevent of fall and reduce the costs associated with it is necessary. The aim of this study was to translate and determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the self-assessment fall risk scale in the elderly. Methods: This methodological study conducted on 60 older people of Qom Retirement Center. The translation was conducted based on the backward/forward method. The content validity, face validity, and construct validity was investigated. To evaluate the construct validity, the known groups comparison, convergent and divergent validity was used. Reliability was measured using the internal consistency. Results: The results of known group's comparison showed that the mean score of the scale in the older people with a history of fall is higher than older people without a history of fall. A significant correlation between scors of the fall risk scale with go & up timed (r= 0.428, P < 0.001), and the 30-second chair stand test (r=-0.333, P <0.01) confirmed the convergent and divergent validity, respectively. The Kuder-Richardson coefficient (0.624) confirmed the inner consistency of the scale. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the Iranian version fall risk scale has satisfactory psychometric properties. The scale can considered to measure various fall risk factors and fall prevention interventions in the older people.

Keywords

• fall
• risk factor
• elderly
• validity
• reliabilit