To examine factors associated with fear of falling, activity limitation due to fear of falling, and how persons modified their activities in response to fear of falling, among older persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Participants in a panel study of RA who were over age 50 (n = 570) were questioned about whether they experienced fear of falling and whether and how they limited activities due to fear of falling.
Fifty percent reported fear of falling, and 38% modified activities due to fear of falling. Correlates of fear of falling included female gender, depressive symptoms, poor physical functioning, minor fall-related injuries, and a greater number of painful joints. Correlates of limiting activities due to fear of falling included worse self-rated health, poor physical functioning, and high painful joint count. Activities commonly affected included stair climbing, walking, and outings.
Fear of falling and limiting activities are common problems for persons with RA. Persons at risk should be targeted for appropriate interventions.