THE EFFECT OF FEAR OF FALLING OF OLDER STROKE SURVIVORS ON THEIR SELF-EFFICACY AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: The study was conducted to examine the effect of fear of falling on self-efficacy and quality of life in older stroke survivors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. One hundred and twenty-one older adults who had had a stroke and admitted to hospital between March and December 2021 were included. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale, Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index, and Standardized Mini Mental Test. Descriptive statistics, numbers, percentages, means, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis were used. Results: The mean age of participants was 74.19 +/- 6.66 years, Tinetti Falls Efficacy score was 47.67 +/- 17.38, Stroke Self Efficacy Questionnaire score was 22.49 +/- 7.64, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale score was 3.13 +/- 0.68. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between fear of falling and self-efficacy (r:-0.849; p < 0.001) and fear of falling and quality of life (r:0.846; p < 0.001). The simple linear regression analysis indicates that Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale had a statistically significant effect on Stroke Self Efficacy Questionnaire (p < 0.001). Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale had a significant effect on Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Fear of falling in older stroke survivors significantly affects their self-efficacy and quality of life. It is recommended that fear of falling should be evaluated in detail and comprehensively in older stroke survivors.