Relationship between the Risk of Falling and Physical Function in Elderly Individuals with Lower Extremity Arthritis
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Abstract
Background: The prevalence of falls among the elderly is a significant public health concern, with lower extremity arthritis being a prominent risk factor. This condition severely impacts daily functioning and increases the risk of falls, leading to further morbidity and decreased quality of life among the aging population.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the risk of falling and physical function in elderly individuals diagnosed with lower extremity arthritis, focusing on the assessment of daily living activities and fear of falling.
Methods: A total of 150 elderly individuals (45 males and 105 females) with lower extremity arthritis were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants' difficulties in performing daily activities and their fear of falling were evaluated using the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The study adhered to the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, with all participants providing written informed consent.
Results: The mean age of participants was 51±7 years, ranging from 40 to 65 years. A significant majority reported difficulty in performing daily activities (70%, n=105) and a fear of falling (80%, n=120). Gender distribution showed a higher prevalence of arthritis and associated issues among females (70%) compared to males (30%).
Conclusion: The study highlights the profound impact of lower extremity arthritis on the physical function and fall risk among the elderly. There is a critical need for integrated healthcare interventions focusing on enhancing physical function and addressing the psychological aspects of fall fear to improve elderly individuals' quality of life with arthritis.
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