Validation of F3ALLS Assessment in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the brief F3ALLS assessment’s validity in screening fall risk. DESIGN: This is a cross sectional and longitudinal study. SETTING: Participants were recruited from outpatient primary care clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Older ambulatory adults ages 65–90 volunteered for this study. MEASUREMENTS: Falls risk was measured with TGBA and F3ALLS questionnaires. A 6-month follow-up period assessed for falls using falls diaries and chart review. RESULTS: Participants (n=97) were older adults ages 73.91±6.4, 68% (n=66) female. 31% of participants reported at least one fall at 6-months. F3ALLS scores were higher in participants who reported 1 or more falls at 6-months follow-up (3.23±1.5). Higher F3ALLS scores were associated with 6-month fall risk (OR=1.463, 95% CI=1.098–1.949). A score > 3 stratified patients as at risk of falling (AUC=0.77, P<.001; Sensitivity=0.65, Specificity=0.71). CONCLUSION: The F3ALLS questionnaire adequately classifies person at risk versus not at risk for falls, and higher (worse) F3ALLS scores are associated with falls over 6 months.