A Risk for Fall Assessment among Elderly Persons in Rural Community in Selected Districts in Kerala to Develop Physical Well-Being Programme

Abstract

The aging process is associated with many changes, including a decline in physical strength, balance, and cognitive function. As a result, older adults are at an increased risk of falls, which can result in serious injuries, hospitalization, and even death. This study aimed to assess the risk of falls among elderly persons in rural communities in selected districts in Kerala and to develop a physical well-being program to prevent falls. Objectives are to assess the risk of falls among elderly persons, to assess the factors that lead to falls among elderly persons, and to find out the association between physical health problems and the risk of falls among elderly persons. The study used a quantitative research approach, and the design was descriptive cross-sectional. A sample of 50 elderly persons aged 60 years and above was selected using purposive sampling. The tool used for the study was the Elderly Health Assessment Questionnaire by the Kerala University of Health Sciences. It comprises the following sections: Section 1: Elderly Health Assessment Questionnaire, Section 2: Elderly Mental Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Section 3: Risk for falls in older people. Description of the interventional program A physical well-being program was done among old age people. A study was conducted, and an analysis of the data collected was performed. Various exercises are used to control the balance of the body and improve posture and muscle strength. A total of 10 exercises were demonstrated and re-demonstrated by the sample population. Data were collected using a validated fall risk assessment tool and analyzed using descriptive statistics. This study investigated the distribution of samples according to demographic, biophysiologic, habit, activities of daily living, medical history, elderly self-assessment, use of prosthesis and implants, mental health assessment, and fall assessment variables. The study found that most participants were at low risk of falls, with the most common risk factors being muscle weakness and balance impairments. Based on the findings, a physical well-being program was developed, which included exercises to improve muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. The program was effective in reducing the risk of falls among the elderly population. Most of the samples belonged to the 71-75 age group, with females comprising most of the population. Most of the samples were from the rural population. Among the bio-physiological variables, most samples had a normal BMI and no obese individuals. Most of the samples had good vision and hearing, and most did not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel leaves. Most of the samples were independent in performing activities of daily living, and the majority had hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Most samples had everyday physical fitness and good balance, and only a small proportion had moderate or severe mental health problems. Most of the samples had a lower risk for falls. The study concludes that fall risk assessment is essential to geriatric nursing and that physical well-being programs can effectively prevent falls among elderly persons in rural communities. The study recommends developing and implementing physical well-being programs that include exercise, balance training, and education on fall prevention strategies. Nursing implications such as fall assessment, exercises to improve strength and balance, providing a safe environment, fall prevention practices, documenting and reporting falls, and educating patients and families on fall prevention methods can be implemented to reduce the risk of falls among elderly individuals.