Predicting Use of Outdoor Fall Prevention Strategies: Considerations for Prevention Practices.

PURPOSE: Outdoor falls are just as common as indoor falls, but have received less attention in research and practice. Behavioral strategies play an important role in outdoor fall prevention. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of strategy use.

METHOD: Backward stepwise regression was used to study factors associated with use of outdoor fall prevention strategies among a random sample ( N = 120) of community-dwelling seniors.

RESULTS: Significant negative predictors of strategy use included higher education levels ( p < .01) and living in an urban versus a suburban environment ( p < .01). Concern about falls and number of identified risks were positive predictors ( ps < .05). Differences were found between outdoor fallers and nonfallers in the use of three different types of strategies ( ps < .05).

CONCLUSION: There are some differences in the profiles of people who use and do not use outdoor fall prevention strategies. Further study of additional factors is warranted.