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Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire
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About Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire
Scale Name
Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire
Author Details
Merrill R Landers, Cortney Durand, D Shalom Powell, Leland E Dibble, Daniel L Young
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ) is a psychometric tool designed to measure avoidance behaviors in individuals due to fear of falling. Developed by Landers et al. (2011), the FFABQ helps assess how fear of falling influences daily activities and mobility, particularly in older adults and individuals with balance impairments.
The scale is based on the principle that fear of falling can lead to activity restriction, which in turn increases fall risk, reduces physical fitness, and affects overall quality of life. Unlike other fall-related assessments that focus solely on confidence or past falls, the FFABQ evaluates the extent to which individuals avoid activities due to fear.
- Measures avoidance behavior rather than just fear of falling.
- Assesses activity limitation in individuals at risk of falls.
- Identifies psychological and behavioral barriers to mobility.
- Applicable to older adults, patients with neurological conditions, and individuals with mobility impairments.
The questionnaire consists of 14 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = never avoid, 4 = always avoid). The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater avoidance behavior due to fear of falling.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: The FFABQ can be accessed through research publications, clinical assessment guides, or professional organizations related to fall prevention.
- Explain the Purpose: The FFABQ is used to assess the extent to which fear of falling leads to avoidance of daily activities, which can negatively impact physical health and independence.
- Provide Instructions: Participants are asked to rate their avoidance of 14 activities due to fear of falling, using a 0–4 scale.
- Approximate Time: 5–10 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: The FFABQ can be self-administered or conducted via an interview in clinical settings. The total score is calculated by summing item scores, with higher scores indicating greater activity avoidance.
Reliability and Validity
The FFABQ has strong psychometric properties, with a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93).
Construct Validity: The FFABQ correlates significantly with fall risk assessments, fear of falling scales (e.g., Falls Efficacy Scale), and mobility measures.
Predictive Validity: Studies suggest that higher FFABQ scores are associated with increased fall risk, lower physical activity levels, and reduced quality of life in older adults and individuals with balance disorders.
Available Versions
14-Items
Reference
Landers, M. R., Durand, C., Powell, D. S., Dibble, L. E., & Young, D. L. (2011). Development of a scale to assess avoidance behavior due to a fear of falling: the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire. Physical therapy, 91(8), 1253–1265. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20100304
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FFABQ measure?
The FFABQ assesses avoidance behaviors related to fear of falling, rather than just confidence or past falls.
Who can use the FFABQ?
It is designed for older adults, individuals with mobility impairments, and those recovering from neurological or orthopedic conditions.
How is the FFABQ scored?
Each item is rated on a 0–4 scale, with higher scores indicating greater avoidance behavior. The total score ranges from 0 to 56.
Can the FFABQ predict fall risk?
Yes, research suggests that higher FFABQ scores are associated with increased fall risk and lower physical activity levels.
How is the FFABQ different from the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES)?
The FES measures confidence in avoiding falls, while the FFABQ assesses how fear of falling leads to activity avoidance.
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