The Impact of Falls and Fear of Falling on Health-Related Quality of Life in Taiwanese Elderly

This study aimed to investigate the relationship among falls, fear of falling (FOF), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly people living in the community. The study was a community-based surveillance with residents aged 65 or over in Taipei, Taiwan. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews. Of the 4,056 participants, the prevalence of falls was 13.8% and the prevalence of FOF among women (62.6%) was significantly higher than that among men (46.2%). Adjusted by covariate factors, fear of falling was identified as a major factor related to HRQOL in the elderly and should be emphasized to assist the improvement of HRQOL in geriatrics.