Older adults’ perceptions towards falls and fall prevention in Kuwait - A qualitative study

Objectives: Despite global guidelines and evidence, fall prevention services in Kuwait are limited. This study sought to understand older people’s perspectives towards falls and falls prevention within the context of limited fall prevention services.

Methods: Qualitative interviews explored the perceptions of falls and fall prevention among Kuwaiti older people (50+ years) and their caregivers (N=16).

Results: Falls prevention was an unfamiliar issue; participants’ knowledge of falls came from personal and others’ experiences, which motivated individuals to eliminate what they perceived as risk factors, but gaps in understanding remained (theme 1). Older people were found to have positive attitudes towards preventing falls, and beliefs around fate and autonomy towards falls prevention were found to independently co-exist (theme 2). Attitudes towards falls prevention were shaped by simplified understanding and concerns about falling (theme 3). Social networks were important in older people’s lives, and valuable sources of support and influence were identified (theme 4). A new concept of ‘circular care benefits’ was developed, contributing an understanding that caring for others helps build subjective norms.

Conclusions: The interview findings contribute to the Theory of Planned Behaviour in the context of falls prevention, with further contribution to the understanding of co-existing beliefs and ‘subjective norms’.