Fear of falling in parkinson’s disease: a qualitative exploration of patient experiences and coping strategies

To explore the psychological experience of fear of falling (FOF) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and examine their coping behaviors. Sixteen patients with PD, admitted to the Department of Neurology at a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou between July and September 2024, participated in in-depth interviews. The collected data were analyzed, summarized, and refined using a content analysis approach. Two overarching themes with ten subthemes were identified. The first theme, experiences of fear of falling (FOF), revealed profound impacts on daily life, family responsibilities, social activities, and self-esteem, while also highlighting the vicious cycle between recurrent falls and heightened risk perception. The second theme, responses to FOF, encompassed both active coping strategies—such as modifying the home environment, seeking family support, and anticipating professional guidance—and passive avoidance behaviors that further limited independence. Healthcare providers should recognize the psychological burden of fear of falling (FOF) in patients with Parkinson’s disease and consider interventions tailored to their needs. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing FOF in clinical practice and support the development of culturally sensitive, family-centered, and individualized fall-prevention strategies. Future research is needed to evaluate the implementation of these approaches and their potential impact on patients’ quality of life and negative impacts.