Development and initial validation of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale

K Delbaere; Stuart T Smith; S R Lord

doi:10.1093/gerona/glr019

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Development and initial validation of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Development and initial validation of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale

K Delbaere, Stuart T Smith and S R Lord

Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, Vol.66A(6), pp.674-680

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glr019

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Abstract

accidental falls

fear of falling

aging

sensitivity to change

Rasch analysis

Background: Fear of falling scales typically have a strong floor effect in active people and use short phrases to state overall context of fear-related activities. We developed the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES), which includes more demanding activities and uses pictures to provide more complete environmental contexts. Methods: Two-hundred and fifty community-dwelling older people (70-90 years) were assessed on the Icon-FES in conjunction with the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). Results: Overall structure and measurement properties of the 30-item Icon-FES (evaluated with item-response theory) were good. It measured a single factor with 2 dimensions assessing fear about less and more demanding daily activities. It had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96) and excellent test-retest reliability. The Icon-FES distribution was considerably closer to normal compared with FES-I, indicating absence of floor and ceiling effects. Construct validity of the Icon-FES was supported by its relation with FES-I and its ability to discriminate between groups relating to demographic characteristics and fall risk factors. A shortened 10-item Icon-FES showed similar psychometric properties to the 30-item Icon-FES. Conclusions: The Icon-FES is an innovative way of assessing fear of falling using pictures to describe a range of activities and situations. This initial validation study showed that the Icon-FES has excellent psychometric properties and showed close continuity with the FES-I. Main advantages of the Icon-FES over the FES-I are its normal distribution and its ability to assess fear of falling in high functioning older people. © 2011 The Author.

Details

Title: Development and initial validation of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale
Authors: K Delbaere (Author) - University of New South Wales
Stuart T Smith (Author) - University of New South Wales
S R Lord (Author) - University of New South Wales
Publication details: Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, Vol.66A(6), pp.674-680
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date published: 2011
DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glr019
ISSN: 1079-5006
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450189702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Geriatrics & Gerontology; Gerontology

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