Nationwide Update on Prevalence of Falls, Injurious Falls, Concerns About Falling, and Fall Prevention in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to estimate the current nationwide prevalence of falls, injurious falls, concerns about falling, and information on fall prevention among people with multiple sclerosis. Design This is a cross-sectional national web-based survey that included 965 adult people with multiple sclerosis. Participants self-reported falls and injurious falls experienced in the past 6 months. Participants also provided information on their concerns about falling and information on fall prevention received. Results A total of 56% reported falling in the past 6 months. The prevalence of falls at the population level ranges between 53% and 59%. Most falls occur inside of participants’ homes (68%). About 30% of fallers reported an injurious fall. Most respondents, 87% expressed being concerned about falling and 68% reported they had cut down on activities due to their concerns about falling. Among participants who received information about falling (64%), only 9% received a formal fall prevention course. Conclusions Despite advances in falls research over the last decades, falling continues to be a highly prevalent problem for people with multiple sclerosis. About one-third of those falls result in injuries. Concerns about falling among fallers and nonfallers affect the performance of daily activities and independence. Few people receive a formal falls prevention education or training.