Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 2 February 2010
By Sandra Spoelstra, MSN, RN; Barbara Given, PhD, RN, FAAN; Alexander von Eye, PhD; Charles Given, PhD
ABSTRACT
The aim of this predictive study was to test a structural model to establish predictors of fall risk in elderly cancer survivors. An aging and nursing model of care was synthesized and used to examine the Minimum Data Set for 6,912 low-income older adult participants in a community setting in the midwestern United States. Data analysis established relationships among fall risk and age, race/ethnicity, history of a previous fall, depression, pain, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, incontinence, vision, and cognitive status. Factors leading to fall risk can direct nursing activities that have the potential to prevent falls, thus improving older adults’ quality of life.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ms. Spoelstra is a PhD candidate, Dr. Given is University Distinguished Professor, Associate Dean for Research and the Doctoral Program, and Director of the Doctoral Program, College of Nursing, Dr. von Eye is University Professor, Department of Psychology, and Dr. Given is Professor, Department of Family Practice, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support. This article was written while Ms. Spoelstra was a Fellow in the Mary Margaret Walther Behavioral Oncology Group.
Address correspondence to Sandra Spoelstra, MSN, RN, PhD Candidate, Michigan State University College of Nursing, 500 Fee Hall, Room 500, East Lansing, MI 48824; e-mail: spoelst5@msu.edu.
Received: September 2, 2009
Accepted: November 5, 2009
Posted: January 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/00989134-20100108-01
