In the present study, we investigated the association of fall occurrence with fall history and FoF, including the interaction between these two factors in statistical models. Moreover, coupling the characteristics of multiple fallers and FoF would affect fall occurrence however, observational studies regarding this effect have not been conducted. The effect of FoF on fall occurrence in the future could also vary according to fall history (number of falls: zero, one, two or more). Taking physical function as an example, multiple fallers showed significantly lowered gait ability and balance functions than others. Studies examining multiple fallers separately from non- and single fallers have pointed out significant differences between them regarding the influence of health outcomes. Importantly, fall history has different meanings according to the number of falls (zero, one, two or more). įall history is another strong predictor of future falls, affecting the development of FoF in older adults. The development of effective prevention programs for falls has been a long-term issue in geriatric research, and a better understanding of the influence of FoF on the occurrence of falls is considered important. Considering the strong association between FoF and occurrence of falls, it is important for health-related workers in the community to obtain FoF information. Additionally, some studies reveal that FoF is associated with various changes, which increase the risk of falls (e.g., inappropriate attention allocation, fixed vision trajectory, and an inactive lifestyle).

A systematic review has shown that individuals with FoF have more than double the risk of falling than those without FoF. Supporting this research, FoF is considered a significant predictor of occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older adults. Some studies have shown that FoF influences walking, and suggest that FoF indirectly affects the occurrence of falls. It is defined as “a person's anxiety towards usual or normal walking or mobilizing, with the perception that a fall will occur”. However, its association was lower in multiple fallers.įear of falling (FoF) is an emotional feeling among older adults. We found that FoF was associated with the occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older adults. Fall history, FoF, and interaction between multiple fallers and FoF were significant in the adjusted statistical model (rate ratio : single faller = 2.81, multiple faller = 13.60, FoF = 3.70, multiple faller*FoF = 0.37 ). The final sample comprised 530 individuals (follow-up rate: 530/801, 66.4%). Poisson regression models clarified the influence of FoF on fall occurrence during the one-year follow-up, according to the participants’ fall history. After a year of following-up, the number of falls during the year was considered as the main outcome. The number of falls in the past year was obtained via a self-questionnaire and participants were classified into three fall history groups (0: non-faller, 1: single faller, 2 or more: multiple faller). At baseline, FoF was assessed using a single-item questionnaire. We visited 20 community centers to recruit 1,025 older adults (aged 65 years or older). In this study, we adopted a longitudinal observational design. This study investigates the association of FoF with fall occurrence among older adults according to their fall history. Both multiple fall experiences and fear of falling (FoF) would make people susceptible to another fall however, the associations are unknown.

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