Development and Validation of the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument

Annually, one in three older adults experiences a fall. Falls can lead to death, disability, and/or decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL). Objectives: To validate the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument (CFRSI). Methods: Data were collected on 286 older adults (M age in years = 74.2 +/- 10.0). The CFRSI total falls risk score was compared to subscale scores, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the Functional Status Index (FSI), and HRQL (SF-36, PCS, and Mental Component Summary (MCS)) scores. Results: The total CFRSI falls risk score was associated with all subscales (r = 0.25, p < 0.01 to r = 0.69, p < 0.01), PASE (r = -0.30, p < 0.01), FSI (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), and SF-36 PCS and MCS scores (r = -0.44, p < 0.01 to r = -0.24, p = 0.03, respectively). Fallers (n = 90) had a higher total falls risk score (M = 41.03 +/- 9.38) than nonfallers (n = 188, M = 34.06 +/- 10.05, t [276] = 5.53, p < 0.001). The most important predictor of falling status was only the history risk score (r = 0.96). Strong association of variables supports the construct validation of the CFRSI. The CFRSI is a valid comprehensive measure of falls risk that allows for identification of older adults who are at risk for falls and the specific areas that should be targeted for falls prevention.