Risk and Fear of Falling in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Sociodemographic and Health Conditions

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the risk and fear of falling in older adults according to their sociodemographic and health profiles. A total of 110 older adults from a Medical Specialties Center in Sapezal, Mato Grosso, Brazil, were assessed using a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Timed Up and Go test, and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests (p < 0.05). Higher risk and fear of falling were found among hypertensive individuals, retirees, those not actively employed, and those with a history of falls or near-falls. In contrast, individuals aged 60-70, those who reported good health, and those using one to two medications regularly had lower risk and fear of falling. The findings underscore the multifactorial nature of fall-related risk and fear in older adults and highlight key sociodemographic and health-related influences.