TITLE:
Can the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) be used to understand risk factors for falls in older Australian women?
AUTHORS:
Afsoon Hassani Mehraban, Lynette Mackenzie, Julie Byles, Richard Gibson, Cassie Curryer
KEYWORDS:
Accidental Falls; Home Hazards; Activities of Daily Living; Participation; Occupational Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.12A,
December
25,
2013
ABSTRACT: Purpose: To evaluate the relevance and accuracy of determining and predicting risk factors for falls in older women using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: We tested the accuracy of the ICF against risk of falls amongst 568 community dwelling participants of the Australian Longitudinal Survey on Women’s Health (ALSWH). We linked health-related variables to the ICF using ten linking rules. The logistic regression analysis evaluated the relationship between the variables and the outcome of falls. Self-report surveys measured daily functioning, health service use, medications, housing and social support. Results: Variables aligned with the ICF components of body function, health conditions, environment, activity and participation (ADL/IADL), and general health were significantly associated with falls. Discussion and conclusion: Mapping ALSWH health-related data to ICF components identified significant risk factors for falls are related to health conditions, functional limitations and home hazards. Biopsycho-social approaches guided by the ICF framework are crucial for fall prevention.