Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale of in Older Adults

Okuyan CB, Bilgili N and Kitis Y

Falling is a common problem in the older adults, which can lead to serious injuries and deaths. This study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) developed to diagnose the fear of falling of older adult individuals. This methodological study was conducted with 141 older adults who are 65-years-old and above who are independent in their activities of daily living. The internal consistency coefficient of the Turkish Form of MFES is 0.98, the split half test consistency coefficient is 0.97 and, test-retest stability coefficient of the items is between 0.73-0.99. The Turkish Form of MFES was found to correlate positively with the Barthell Index and the rivermead mobility index, while it negatively correlated with the falls behavioral scale for the Older Person. The MFES Turkish form is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to determine the potential fears of falling, and practice regarding the fear of falling in older adults.