Validity and reliability of a fall risk scale in older adults with chronic diseases in a high-altitude region of Peru

Introduction: One of the serious health problems for older adults (OAs) is falls. These can lead to significant disability, loss of functional independence, and premature death. To determine the validity and reliability of a self-report scale for assessing the risk of falling in Peruvian older adults who live at high altitude and have chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, type II diabetes, and hypertension. Material and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 307 older adults (143 males and 164 females) selected in a non-probabilistic manner. The age range was 60 to 80 years. Fall risk was assessed using the fall risk scale proposed by Rubenstein et al. (2011). The scale consists of 13 items with dichotomous responses (knows and does not know). Descriptive statistics were applied. Validation was performed using construct analysis [(confirmatory factor analysis). Reliability was determined using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Results The reliability determined using Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.81 to 0.85, indicating high reliability. In terms of validity, the CFA yielded acceptable values for the CFI, TLI, and NFI indices, showing values ≥ 0.90 and an adequate RMSEA fit of 0.056. Conclusion The fall risk scale applied to OAs in a high-altitude Andean region of Peru showed acceptable values of validity and reliability. The results suggest its use and application in clinical and epidemiological settings.