Abstract

Physical inactivity is associated with an increased incidence of falling, which itself is related to fear of falling (FOF) among older adults. This study evaluated the physical activity level (PAL) of a sample of elderly Nigerians and whether PAL is different in people with and without FOF, and also between fallers and non-fallers. The cross-sectional survey involved 180 elderly individual (92 females, 88 males) recruited from selected South-Eastern Nigerian communities, with a mean age of 71.87± 6.98. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) were used to assess the PAL and FOF among the participants. Information on falls was obtained via oral interview. Data was analysed using frequency and percentages, mean and standard deviation, chi-square, Independent t and Mann-Whitney U tests. Mean PASE score of 95.61, and FOF prevalence and fall prevalence rates of 34.4% and 27.8% was recorded among participants. Total PASE score was significantly higher for those without FOF than those with FOF overall but similar between fallers and non-fallers. Participants’ PAL was fairly good, though FOF and fall prevalence rates were high. Physical inactivity is associated with presence of FOF but not with actual falls. Improving physical activity among older adults may help minimize development of FOF and its consequences.