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. 2009 May;41(5):262-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.aprim.2008.09.019.

[Assessing patients with fear of falling. Does the method use change the results? A systematic review]

[Article in Spanish]
Teresa Alarcón  1 , Juan Ignacio González-Montalvo, Angel Otero Puime
Affiliations

[Assessing patients with fear of falling. Does the method use change the results? A systematic review]

[Article in Spanish]
Teresa Alarcón et al. Aten Primaria. 2009 May.

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Objective: To analyse if the use of different methods to assess fear of falling (FF), changes the risk factors for developing it, and the consequences arising from this.

Design: Systematic review.

Data sources: Electronic data bases, MEDLINE, EMBZ, EMBASE, CINAHL and PBMA. Key words <<fear, fall and aged+65 years>>, <<fear of falling>>, <<post-fall syndrome>>, <<self-efficacy, fall and aged+65 years>>.

Period: 1966-March 2008. SELECTING THE STUDIES: Inclusion/exclusion criteria: original observational studies, clearly identifying the method employed to measure FF and which mention risk factors and/or the consequences arising from this fear. A total of 327 summaries were initially identified, from which 24 articles were selected.

Data collection: The abstracts and articles were selected by the first author. If there were doubts, the opinion of the second signatory was considered. The method for detecting FF, the risk factors and/or the consequences were collected and analysed.

Results: There is a large variety of FF assessment methods, which can be grouped into three types: a) they question directly if it exists; b) they question on the limitation of activity due to this fear, and c) they use scales that detect and quantify the fear. The main risk factors: changes in gait, previous falls, failing sight, health problems, female sex and lack of social support. Main consequences: balance problems, depression, increased risk of falls and less social activity.

Conclusions: The risk factors and consequences of FF are similar in the different studies, particularly those that employ direct questions. The study population, the objective and the time available have an effect on the choice of method for assessing FF.

Objetivo: Analizar si el uso de diferentes métodos de evaluar el miedo a caídas (MC) modifica los factores de riesgo de tenerlo y sus consecuencias.

Diseño: Revisión sistemática.

Fuentes de datos: Bases electrónicas MEDLINE, EMBZ, EMBASE, CINAHL y PBMA. Palabras clave: «fear, fall y aged+65 years», «fear of falling», «post-fall syndrome», «self-efficacy, fall y aged+65 years» (periodo 1966-marzo de 2008).

Selección de estudios: Estudios originales observacionales, con identificación clara del método empleado para medir MC, en que se comunican factores de riesgo o/y consecuencias derivadas de dicho miedo. De 327 resúmenes inicialmente identificados, se seleccionaron 24 artículos.

Extracción de datos: Los resúmenes y los artículos fueron seleccionados por el primer autor. En caso de duda, se consideró la opinión del segundo firmante. Se recogió y se analizó el método de detección de MC, los factores de riesgo y/o las consecuencias.

Resultados: Hay gran diversidad de métodos de evaluación de MC, agrupables en tres tipos: a) los que preguntan directamente sobre su existencia; b) los que preguntan sobre la limitación de la actividad por dicho miedo, y c) los que utilizan escalas que detectan y cuantifican el miedo. Principales factores de riesgo: alteración en la marcha, caídas previas, disminución de la visión, problemas de salud, sexo femenino y escaso apoyo social. Principales consecuencias: problemas de equilibrio, depresión, aumento del riesgo de caídas y menor actividad social.

Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo y las consecuencias del MC son similares en los diferentes estudios, especialmente en los que emplean preguntas directas. La población de estudio, el objetivo y el tiempo disponible condicionan la elección del método de valoración del MC.

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