Zero-Inflated Poisson Modeling of Fall Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for falls among community-dwelling older adults. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data from 658 community-dwelling older adults and were analyzed using logistic and zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression. Perceived health status was a significant factor in the count model, and fall efficacy emerged as a significant predictor in the logistic models. The findings suggest that fall efficacy is important for predicting not only faller and nonfaller status but also fall counts in older adults who may or may not have experienced a previous fall. The fall predictors identified in this study—perceived health status and fall efficacy—indicate the need for fall-prevention programs tailored to address both the physical and psychological issues unique to older adults.