Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.44(5) > 1003015

Jang and Ahn: A Predictive Model of Fall Prevention Behaviors in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Purpose

This study was done to propose and test a predictive model that would explain and predict fall prevention behaviors in postmenopausal women. The health belief model was the theoretical basis to aid development of a nursing intervention fall prevention program.

Methods

Data for 421 postmenopausal women were selected from an original data set using a survey design. The structural equation model was tested for 3 constructs: modifying factors, expectation factors, and threat factors. Expectation factors were measured as relative perceived benefit (perceived benefit minus perceived barrier), self-efficacy, and health motivation; threat factors, as perceived susceptibility (fear of falling) and perceived severity (avoiding activity for fear of falling); and modifying factors: level of education and knowledge about fall prevention. Data were analyzed using SPSS Windows and AMOS program.

Results

Mean age was 55.7 years (range 45-64), and 19.7% had experienced a fall within the past year. Fall prevention behaviors were explained by expectation and threat factors indicating significant direct effects. Mediating effect of health beliefs was significant in the relationship between modifying factors and fall prevention behaviors. The proposed model explained 33% of the variance.

Conclusion

Results indicate that fall prevention education should include knowledge, expectation, and threat factors based on health belief model.

References

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Figure 1.
Theoretical framework for this study.
jkan-44-525f1.tif
Figure 2.
Standardized estimates and explained variances in model for fall prevention behaviors.
jkan-44-525f2.tif
Table 1.
Descriptive Statistics and Relationships among Study Variables for Fall Prevention Behaviors (N=421)
Variables Categories (Range) n (%) or M±SD x1
x2
x3
y1
y2
y3
y4
y5
r (p) r (p) r (p) r (p) r (p) r (p) r (p) r (p)
x1 ≤High school 262 (62.2) 1
≥College 159 (37.8)
x2 (6-24) 18.16±3.90 .12 (.013) 1
x3 Yes 83 (19.7) .04 .06 1
No 338 (80.3)
y1 (-11-16) 2.53±4.72 .10 (.041) .27 (<.001) .07 1
y2 (7-35) 26.43±4.73 .06 .39 .04 .37 1
(<.001) (<.001)
y3 (6-30) 20.00±4.07 .18 .26 −.01 .33 .33 1
(<.001) (<.001) (<.001) (<.001)
y4 (1-4) 1.96±0.71 −.06 −.03 .09 −.04 −.10 −.01 1
(.044)
y5 (11-34) 15.40±5.17 −.17 −.18 .10 −.15 −.28 −.07 .32 1
(<.001) (<.001) (.044) (.002) (<.001) (<.001)
y6 (7-28) 15.66±4.51 .06 .25 .12 .46 .16 .29 .10 .04
(<.001) (.018) (<.001) (.001) (<.001) (.036)

x1=Level of education (1=college and above); x2=Knowledge about fall prevention; x3=History of falls (1=yes); y1=Perceived benefits-barriers; y2=Perceived self-efficacy; y3=Health motivation; y4=Perceived susceptibility; y5=Perceived severity; y6=Fall prevention behaviors.

Table 2.
Effects of Explanatory Variables on Fall Prevention Behaviors (N=421)
Endogenous variables Exogenous variables Direct effect
Indirect effect
Total effect
SMC
ß (p) ß (p) ß (p)
Expectation factors Modifying factors .86 (<.001) .86 .73
Threat factors Modifying factors −.38 (<.001) −.38 .14
Fall prevention behaviors Modifying factors .43 (.022) .43 .33
Expectation factors .61 (<.001) .63
Threat factors .25 (<.001) .26

ß=Standardized coefficients; SMC=Squared multiple correlation.

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