Peter Kay Chai Tay1,2, Angelique Chan2, Pey June Tan3, Chek Hooi Wong3. 1. Health and Social Sciences, 372463Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore. 2. Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS, Singapore. 3. Geriatric Education and Research Institute, 150819Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore.
Abstract
Fall prevention strategies informed by understanding sex differences in the perception of falls may be fruitful. Objectives: In the current research, we examined the consequence of having a recent fall episode on sex differences in fall perception based on the postulation that having a recent fall can lead to perceived susceptibility and attenuate male stereotypic perceptions toward falls. Methods and Results: Examining 549 older adults (337 women) living in the community, men reported higher falls efficacy, less negative perception related to the effect of a fall, and lower tendency to restrict activities to prevent falls. These sex differences were observed only among those who did not have a recent fall episode, and no significant sex differences were observed among those who fell. Discussion: The findings suggest that a recent fall episode may underlie sex differences in falls perception. The implications of sex differences in perceptions in falls for healthcare delivery and outcomes are discussed.
Fall prevention strategies informed by understanding sex differences in the perception of falls may be fruitful. Objectives: In the current research, we examined the consequence of having a recent fall episode on sex differences in fall perception based on the postulation that having a recent fall can lead to perceived susceptibility and attenuate male stereotypic perceptions toward falls. Methods and Results: Examining 549 older adults (337 women) living in the community, men reported higher falls efficacy, less negative perception related to the effect of a fall, and lower tendency to restrict activities to prevent falls. These sex differences were observed only among those who did not have a recent fall episode, and no significant sex differences were observed among those who fell. Discussion: The findings suggest that a recent fall episode may underlie sex differences in falls perception. The implications of sex differences in perceptions in falls for healthcare delivery and outcomes are discussed.
Entities:
Keywords:
concerns about falls; falls; fear of falling; gender differences