Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2009;11(1):38-50.
종합병원 노인환자의 낙상 위험 요인과 낙상 지식 및 태도와의 관계
허정윤, 김희정
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude towards falls among elderly inpatients and to provide basic data for development of fall prevention programs. Method: From April to May 2007, 180 elders who were hospitalized in a general hospital in Seoul were interviewed with a structured questionnaire about risk factors, attitude and
knowledge related to falls. Medical records were also reviewed. Data were analyzed with SPSS program. Results While hospitalized, 25.6% of the participants received education on the prevention of falls. There were significant differences in attitude toward falls according to age, smoking, alcohol consumption, combined diagnosis, history of surgery, history of falls, activity status, sleep disturbance and depression. There was a significant correlation between attitude and the number of risk factors and the number of medications being taken. Attitude towards falls increased with self-perceived risk of fall and score on the Morse Fall Scale. Knowledge of falls was significantly related to education level, and anxiety. Conclusion The study revealed that elderly inpatients had increased risk factors for falls. These factors may impact on attitude toward falls.