Prevalence of selected fall variables and relationship among them in a Nigerian stroke population

Abstract

Objectives- This study investigated the relationships among the three fall indices of fall incidence (FI), fall risk (FR) and fear of falling (FOF)
among stroke survivors in a Nigerian population.
Design: Ex-post facto study with co-relational design
Methods-This correlation study involved 26 stroke survivors (17 males, 9 females) recruited through consecutive non-probability sampling
technique from two South-Eastern Nigeria teaching hospitals. The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and oral
interview were respectively used to assess fear, risk and incidence of falls of participants.
Results- FOF prevalence in the studied population was 81% while actual fall prevalence was 19.2% within the 6months period preceding data
collection. Risk of falling was also present in about 70% of participants. FOF and FR both significantly correlated (p<0.05) but neither
correlated significantly with FI.
Conclusions-Significant relationships exist between FR and FOF. There is a need for physiotherapists to evaluate and modify these variables,
using appropriate intervention strategies in order to positively impact on mobility and social participation outcomes among stroke survivors.