Fear of falling among stroke survivor in the selected community of Bangladesh- a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a neurological condition that affects person‟s whole life. Falling is one of the most common complications of the post-stroke. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the fears of falling among stroke survivor in the selected community of Bangladesh Methodology: The study conducted through quantitative study in cross-sectional design among 50 stroke survivor who were selected from occupational therapy outpatient and stroke rehabilitation unit of CRP, Savar. Participants were selected by using purposive sampling. Data were collected by conducting face to face interview in the community and using questionnaire fear of falling [Falls Efficacy Scale (FES)], Balance function [ Berg Balance Scale (BBS)], ADL performance level [ Modified Barthel Index (MBI)] and cognitive function [ Bangla Adapted Mini-Mental State Examination (BAMSE)]. Result: Fear of falling, balance function, ADLs performance level and cognition variable closely associated with socio-demographic variables of the participant of stroke patient. In this study, there is also association with fear of fall among stroke survivor in the community of Bangladesh. In this study 50 stroke patients were participants. In case of fear of falling measure through FES, 50% (25) were fairly concerned. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), it is found that highest participants 54% (n=27) were in low fall risk. Modified Barthel Index (MBI), it is found that 44% (n=22) were moderate dependence of participants. BAMSE, it is found that the highest number of participants 60% (n=30) were normal. Conclusion: The study suggests that this result may be used basic data for developing rehabilitation programs for prevention of fear of falling and falls in stroke patients. Key words: Fall, Fear of fall, Activities of daily living