Barriers and facilitators to engagement in fall interventions among older adults from ethnic backgrounds: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Falls prevention interventions among older adults can reduce falls risk but low engagement and adherence, especially amongst ethnic minority groups, remains a challenge.

AIMS: To identify the facilitators and barriers influencing uptake of fall prevention programmes among older adults from ethnic minority backgrounds.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on three electronic databases included English language studies involving older adults aged ≥ 65 years from ethnic minority backgrounds. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's tool. Data were extracted and analysed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation (COM-B) model.

RESULTS

11 studies were included (eight qualitative, three mixed method). Study participants (n=1176) included Hispanics, South Asians, Chinese and African American ethnic groups. Main themes included language barriers, cultural beliefs and inadequate support from healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

Falls prevention interventions should incorporate culturally tailored, multi-lingual content and foster stronger partnership with healthcare professionals to enhance uptake among ethnic minority populations.