Psychometric properties of the Fear of Falling Scale for Older adults–Turkish version (FFSO-T): a validity and reliability study

Abstract

This study aimed to adapt the Fear of Falling Scale for Older Adults (FFSO), developed by Lee and Tak (2025), into Turkish and to evaluate its validity and reliability among older adults within the Turkish cultural context. This methodological study was conducted with 278 older adults aged 65 years and older who applied to the outpatient and inpatient clinics of Erzurum City Hospital between February and May 2026. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The language adaptation process was performed using translation and back-translation procedures. Content validity was evaluated by 11 experts using the Davis technique. Construct validity was assessed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability analyses included Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, item-total correlations, and test-retest reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) with a 15-day interval. The Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.995. CFA supported the original 21-item four-factor structure consisting of Unpredictability, Fragility, Vigilance, and Fear of Suffering Harm dimensions (χ²/df = 2.68, RMSEA = 0.078, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.064). The total Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients were both 0.919, while sub-dimension reliability coefficients ranged from 0.691 to 0.899 and from 0.701 to 0.901, respectively. Test-retest analysis demonstrated excellent temporal stability (ICC = 0.991). The Turkish version of the Fear of Falling Scale for Older Adults (FFSO-T) demonstrated acceptable evidence of validity and satisfactory reliability among Turkish older adults. The FFSO-T may be used as a research instrument to evaluate multidimensional aspects of fear of falling in older adults. Further studies examining criterion validity, responsiveness, measurement invariance, and the distinctiveness of the latent constructs are recommended. Not applicable.