Nina Beyer(1), Anne Rosell (1) and Christine E Swane (2)
(1) Institute of Sports Medicine, Copenhagen and (2) Institute of Gerontology, Copenhagen, Denmark
Attitudes and beliefs influencing whether people accept and adhere to falling prevention in Denmark
Aim: The study aim was to establish the main attitudes and beliefs influencing whether people accept to participate in a falls prevention program.
Methods: Interviews were carried out with twelve people (77-88 years) who had either a) participated in a FPP (n=4), b) refused to participated in a FPP (n=4), or c) not been offered a FPP (n=4). The interviews were analysed using the Theory of Planned Behaviour beliefs as the theoretical framework.
Results: Behavioural beliefs (attitude towards FPP) were decisive for participation in a FPP. Normative beliefs (perceived approval/disapproval of FPP of people important to the individual) were less important. Perceived control beliefs (perceptions about how easy or difficult it is to perform the behavior) were important for the elderly who had a positive attitude to FPP. Those who had participated in FPP were satisfied with the program and stressed the importance of improvements in physical functioning and the social aspect.
Conclusion: The study indicates that it is important that the target group for a FPP can identify themselves with the target group presented to them. Furthermore, there may be a need for different programs aimed at different target groups, frail versus relatively healthy elderly.
