Concerns regarding falling after stroke: analysis of the psychometric properties of the Taiwan Chinese version of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale in people with stroke

PurposeThis study evaluated the validity and reliability of the 30- and 10-item Taiwan Chinese version of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES (TW)) for people with stroke.MethodsSixty people with chronic stroke completed the Taiwanese version of the Icon-FES, the International Falls Efficacy Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Brief version. They also completed the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). After one week, they recompleted the Icon-FES. Discriminant validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were assessed.ResultsThe 30- and 10-item Icon-FESs had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.971 and 0.912). Both versions significantly correlated with the International Falls Efficacy Scale (r = 0.87, 0.92) and showed associations with the SPPB, BBS, and the physical domain of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. They effectively differentiated people based on concern levels and BBS/SPPB scores. Test-retest reliability was high (ICC = 0.87, 0.86).ConclusionsThe Icon-FES is a reliable and valid tool for assessing concerns regarding falling in people with stroke.