The Effect of Fall-Prevention Education on Fall-Related Behaviors in Older Adults

Falls among older adults are a major public health concern, causing injuries, loss of independence, and increased healthcare costs. Nursing-led educational interventions play a key role in increasing awareness and promoting protective behaviors. This study is designed as a pretest-posttest, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to be conducted with older adults attending a family health center in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. Participants are classified as high fall risk according to the Morse Fall Risk Scale. Inclusion criteria include age 65 or older, Turkish literacy, and consent to participate. Exclusion criteria include prior fall education, communication problems, or low fall risk scores. The intervention group receives a structured fall-prevention education program consisting of two 25-minute interactive sessions, separated by a 10-minute break. The first session addresses intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors, while the second focuses on home safety modifications, safe behaviors, and health measures, concluding with a question-and-answer segment. The control group receives a brochure only. Data will be collected using the Personal Information Form, Morse Fall Risk Scale, and Fall Behaviors Scale for Older Adults. Statistical analyses will include paired and independent t-tests to assess within-group and between-group differences. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Sivas Cumhuriyet University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2024-07/32, 18 July 2024), along with written permission from the Provincial Directorate of Health. All participants will provide written informed consent, and the study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki principles.