Effectiveness of Falls Prevention Education on its Prevention Behavior among Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Falls prevention education is important to provide early awareness of falls prevention among older adults. However, information on the effectiveness of falls prevention education on its prevention behavior among older adults is limited. Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to identify effects of falls prevention education on the practice of falls prevention behavior among older adults. Method: A search of three electronic databases: PEDRO, EBSCHOHOST and OVID & MEDLINE, was performed in May and June 2018. Studies with falls prevention education as a single prevention intervention either in the hospital, long term care or community settings, participants aged 60 years and above and falls prevention behavior as an outcome measure were included. Results: A total of 129 studies were found with 16 being duplicates. A total of 14 and 62 studies were excluded for review after screening by title and abstract respectively. Another 31 studies were excluded for not fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Only six studies were finally eligible for inclusion in our present review. The results of our review suggested that falls prevention education significantly improved falls prevention behavior practice among older adults. However, there is limited information on periodic falls risk screening or assessment practice among older adults. Conclusion: Falls prevention education seems to be effective in heightening falls prevention behavior among older adults. More information about the effects of periodic falls risk screening or assessment on falls prevention behavior among older adults is required.