Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: July | Volume: 9 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 158-161
Correlation of Body Mass Index and Fear of Falls in Community Dwelling Elderly
Chaitrali Lomte1, Dr. Parag Ranade2
1Intern, Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Physiotherapy, Narhe, Pune, 411041
2Professor and Head of department, Neurophysiotherapy, Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Physiotherapy, Narhe, Pune, 411041
Corresponding Author: Chaitrali Lomte
ABSTRACT
Introduction - Fear of Falling (FoF) is defined as an exaggerated concern about falling or the belief that one cannot prevent a fall. The studies have shown that fear of fall is one of the major reasons for the actual falls in elderly, which in turn gives rise to a greater number of fractures in them. The studies have shown that BMI is one of the factors associated with fear of fall, but no exact correlation has been done between the two.
Aim and Objective – To identify the correlation between BMI and Fear of falls in community dwelling elderly.
Material and method – The present study was conducted in Pune, India. 90 samples were chosen by the method of convenient sampling. Individuals aged over 65 years were recruited. Fear of falls was calculated using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and BMI was calculated by using the anthropometric measurements. Tools used, a weighing machine and a height measuring scale. The data was then correlated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results - There was a weak positive correlation between FoF and BMI in community dwelling elderly. (p value 0.01) (r value 0.26). Conclusion - The study has shown a weak positive correlation between BMI and Fear of fall in community dwelling elderly.
Key words: Fear of Falls, BMI, Community dwelling elderly.