노년전기 여성의 악력 수준에 따른 낙상 두려움의 영향 요인

Abstract

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Purpose: This study compared factors related to fear of falling among women in the early phase of old age based on hand grip strength. Methods: Researchers obtained data of 1,071 women who had participated in the 4th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: In both groups, fear of falling was positively correlated with falling experience within two years, osteoarthritis-related leg pain, depression, and instrumental daily life abilities; however, self-rated health was negatively correlated. In the low hand grip strength group, self-rated health, osteoarthritis-related leg pain, and hand grip strength accounted for 21.3% of the variance regarding fear of falling. In the normal hand grip strength group, age, self-rated health, fall experience within two years, osteoarthritis-related leg pain, and depression significantly accounted for 16.6% of the variance regarding fear of falling. Conclusion: In applying interventions to prevent falling in women in the early phase of old age, health care workers must verify if women have low hand grip strength and determine whether to focus on fitness improvement through exercise interventions or consider psychological interventions for depression.