Fear of falling and associated influencing factors in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION

This cross-sectional study analyzed the fear of falling (FOF) and associated influencing factors in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

METHODS

Patients on MHD (n = 131) were assessed using the short Falls Efficacy Scale International, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Barthel Index questionnaires.

RESULTS

The total FOF score was positively correlated with total anxiety and depression scores but negatively correlated with the total score of activities of daily living. There were significant differences in FOF among different age groups, employment status, the use of walkers, living arrangements (living alone), and having a history of falling in the past year. Age, employment status, history of falls in the past year, and anxiety score were significant risk factors for FOF in MHD patients.

CONCLUSION

FOF in MHD patients is strongly associated with age, employment status, history of falls in the past year, and anxiety level.