Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the brief F3ALLS assessment's validity in screening fall risk.
Design: This is a cross sectional and longitudinal study.
Setting: Participants were recruited from outpatient primary care clinics.
Participants: Older ambulatory adults ages 65-90 volunteered for this study.
Measurements: Falls risk was measured with TGBA and F3ALLS questionnaires. A 6-month follow-up period assessed for falls using falls diaries and chart review.
Results: Participants (n=97) were older adults ages 73.91±6.4, 68% (n=66) female. 31% of participants reported at least one fall at 6-months. F3ALLS scores were higher in participants who reported 1 or more falls at 6-months follow-up (3.23±1.5). Higher F3ALLS scores were associated with 6-month fall risk (OR=1.463, 95% CI=1.098-1.949). A score > 3 stratified patients as at risk of falling (AUC=0.77, P<.001; Sensitivity=0.65, Specificity=0.71).
Conclusion: The F3ALLS questionnaire adequately classifies person at risk versus not at risk for falls, and higher (worse) F3ALLS scores are associated with falls over 6 months.
Keywords: Falls; geriatrics; questionnaire; risk; survey.