Abstract
The purpose of this study was to adapt Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) into Arabic and determine the reliability and validity of the instrument.
The study was conducted in two phases: (i) translation and adaptation by the systematic approach of the 'forward-back' translation method and (ii) psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale among 207 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years).
The Arabic version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.98) and test-retest reliability scores (ICC = 0.96, 95% CI; 0.95-0.97). And also showed strong correlations with both the Falls Efficacy International (r = -0.82) and the activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (
= 0.87). Sampling adequacy for factor analysis was proven by a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.962. Goodness-of-fit (GFI) statistics for the model were in the acceptable range (Chi-Square/Degree of Freedom (CMIN/DF) = 2.59, Goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = 0.9, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.97, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.79).
The Arabic version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale has demonstrated excellent psychometric qualities to measure the level of fear of falling.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONModified falls efficacy scale (MFES) is a commonly used scale for assessment of fear of fall in elderlyThe translated and adapted Arabic version of (A-MFES) will enhance the assessment of fear of fall in Arabic older adults, though it is a patient response scaleThis scale can assess the fear of falling in indoor and outdoor activities which makes this scale comprehensive in nature.