رسائل ماجيستير
English
2025
Factors affecting balance and fall risk among elderly people over 60 yes in Hebron, Palestine: A Cross–Sectional Study
أكرم عمرو, صفاء عرفات عيسى البطش
جامعة القدس · فلسطين
Falls among older people pose a serious health issue and have been associated with injuries, disability, and loss of quality of life. It is necessary to have a comprehensive outlook on factors influencing physical, cognitive, psychological, and social domains associated with balance and risk of falls.
Objective: To explore factors that affect balance and risk of falls among older adults, above 60 years, living within the community of Hebron, Palestine.
Methods: A total of 323 participants were given demographic questionnaires and physically and cognitively assessed with balance measures (Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Timed Up and Go Test [TUG], Single Leg Stance [SLS]) and cognitive function measurement tools (Mini-Mental State Examination), as well as psychosocial tools (Fear of Falling Scale, community participation, and domains of quality of life). Correlation and regression analyses were conducted.
Results: The average age was 67.8 ± 6.54 years, and females accounted for 56% of the sample. Balance risk testing showed 64.4%, 20.7%, and 14.9% were at low, medium, and high risk for falls, respectively. A significant association with low balance performance existed for cognitive impairment, assistive device use, physical inactivity, difficulty walking on uneven ground, and loss of functional independence (p < 0.001). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) predicted fall risk better than any other measure and influenced social participation and falls concern but not overall life satisfaction and fear of falls on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Regression analysis pointed to physical and cognitive variables, such as problems with memory and assistive device use, as vital determinants of balance. Functional change as measured by Fisher Score significantly predicted balance.
Conclusion: Balance among older people requires consideration of physical, cognitive, and functional variables. Strategies that focus on enhancing physical activity levels, cognitive functions, usage of assistive devices, addressing sensory impairments, and encouraging independence with activities of daily living should be promoted among elderly populations within the city of Hebron