A Predictive Model for the Intention to Implement Home Modifications: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore determinants related to older adults' intention to implement home modifications that can prevent falls. Eighty-seven community-dwelling older adults aged 60 or older completed a questionnaire examining potential determinants to predict an intention to implement home modifications. Multiple logistic regression suggests that the odds ratios (OR) for the participants' intention to implement home modifications were higher for those (a) who have higher levels of belief that home modifications are beneficial (adjusted OR = 2.41, p = .015), (b) who believe that environmental adaptation can help prevent future falls (adjustedOR= 4.61, p = .036), and (c) who have taken past action concerning changes in home environment (adjusted OR = 4.79, p = .029). Findings serve as a preliminary step toward developing a comprehensive predictive model to identify determinants in predicting the degree of adherence to recommended home modifications for fall prevention among older adults.