Korean Version of the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I): Study of Validity and Reliability

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and test the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).Methods: The Korean version of the short FES-I was developed through the FES-I translation protocol. Participants for the psychometric tests included 300 older adults (100 visiting a senior welfare center, 100 registered as frail elderly in a public health center, and 100 visiting an orthopedic department at a university hospital after hip-fracture surgery). The psychometric tests included content, construct, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.Results: One factor of the seven items was validated and explained by 79.4% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the model fit and convergent validity. Mean scores according to fall history were also significantly different. Correlation analysis confirmed criterion validity with a single item of fear of falling (r=.76, p<.001). There were reliable internal consistencies with Cronbach’s α coefficients of .95 and, .93, and the ICC (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient) for test-retest reliability was .95.Conclusion: This scale showed excellent validity and reliability in Korea. It is useful to measure fear of falling for older adults in clinical or community settings.