Abstract:

Purpose: Fear of falling in the elderly is not only a risk factor for falling, it is also associated with health problems. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of the fear of falling in the community with the quality of sleep, depression and quality of life. Tools and Methods: The study included 150 older people over the age of 65 with a Mini Mental Condition Assessment Test ≥ 25. With the International Falling Event Scale, the fear of falling, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the quality of sleep, the depression with the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Short Form-36, the quality of life data were collected. Results: In participants who were afraid of falling and not; the quality of sleep, depression and quality of life was significantly different. Fear of fall, depression and sleep quality scores were positive, negative with quality of life. Regression analysis showed a positive correlation with sleep quality and depression scores with fear of falling. The physical functionality and the low scale of pain showed a negative correlation with the scores of fear of fall. This study found that poor quality of sleep, depressive symptoms and low quality of life were associated with fear of falling in older people. Planning efforts to improve the quality of sleep, mental health and quality of life in the community can be helpful to reduce the fear of falling in the community.

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