Tanvee Singh1, Emmanuelle Bélanger1, Kali Thomas1,2. 1. Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island, USA. 2. Center of Innovation for Long-term Services and Supports at the Providence VA Medical Center, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Emerging research suggests Black older adults experience a 30% decreased risk for falls compared with their White U.S. counterparts, and this is mediated neither by physical performance nor activity. Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant risk factor for falls, yet we know little about how FOF varies by race/ethnicity. The purpose of this original research brief was to investigate the relationship between race/ethnicity and FOF among older adults. METHODS: 4,981 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) who had not self-reported a fall in the past 12 months were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between race/ethnicity and fear of falling, controlling for sex, age, total annual income, and mobility assistance. RESULTS: FOF differed significantly across racial groups. Black, non-Hispanic older adults were less likely to have FOF (OR = .87, 95% CI = .71,1.07) compared with their White, non-Hispanic counterparts. In the fully adjusted model, this difference persisted and became stronger (adjusted OR = .75, 95%CI = .61, .93). CONCLUSION: The decreased risk for falls in Black older adults could be explained by lower FOF in this group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings should inform public health fall prevention initiatives among community-dwelling older adults.
OBJECTIVES: Emerging research suggests Black older adults experience a 30% decreased risk for falls compared with their White U.S. counterparts, and this is mediated neither by physical performance nor activity. Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant risk factor for falls, yet we know little about how FOF varies by race/ethnicity. The purpose of this original research brief was to investigate the relationship between race/ethnicity and FOF among older adults. METHODS: 4,981 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) who had not self-reported a fall in the past 12 months were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between race/ethnicity and fear of falling, controlling for sex, age, total annual income, and mobility assistance. RESULTS: FOF differed significantly across racial groups. Black, non-Hispanic older adults were less likely to have FOF (OR = .87, 95% CI = .71,1.07) compared with their White, non-Hispanic counterparts. In the fully adjusted model, this difference persisted and became stronger (adjusted OR = .75, 95%CI = .61, .93). CONCLUSION: The decreased risk for falls in Black older adults could be explained by lower FOF in this group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings should inform public health fall prevention initiatives among community-dwelling older adults.
Entities:
Keywords:
Fear of falling; Medicare beneficiaries; health disparities; older adults; race; risk factors
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