Fear of Falling and Quality of Life in Older Hemodialysis Patients in Tehran Hospitals

Mohammad  Dehesh; Parvaneh  Samady Kia; Nahid  Rejeh; Seyed Davood  Tadrisi

doi:10.18502/ehj.v10i1.15959

Mohammad Dehesh Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
Parvaneh Samady Kia Department of Community Health and Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nahid Rejeh Elderly Care Research Center, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
Seyed Davood Tadrisi Trauma Research Center, Faculty of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v10i1.15959

Keywords: Aged, Quality of Life, Fear of Falling

Abstract

Introduction: Several factors influence the quality of life (QoL) of older adults, particularly those on hemodialysis. Fear of falling and its resulting limitations are significant contributors. This study investigated the association between fear of falling and QoL in older hemodialysis patients in Tehran hospitals .

Methods: A descriptive-correlational design was used with 197 older hemodialysis patients in Tehran hospitals (2021) recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Falls Efficacy Scale-International , and the Leiden International Psychogeriatric Assessment of Life Functions scale to assess QoL. Spearman's rank correlation was performed using SPSS-21 software.

Results: The mean QoL score (54.68 ± 16.09) indicated a moderate level. The mean fear of falling score (35.29 ± 13.54) reflected a high level. A significant negative correlation (R = -0.63, p = 0.001) was found between fear of falling and QoL.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that increased fear of falling is associated with a decrease in QoL among older hemodialysis patients. Further research is warranted to explore interventions aimed at managing fear of falling, preventing falls, and ultimately improving QoL in this population.