Fatma Nazlı ORUÇ, Erhan Arif ÖZTÜRK, Ebru UMAY, Bilge KOÇER, Fatma Aytül ÇAKCI
Academic Journal of Health - 2026;4(1):25-35
Objectives: Fear of falling is highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD) and contributes to reduced mobility, activity restriction, and diminished quality of life. The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) have not been specifically examined in individuals with PD. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the Turkish FES-I in this population. Methods: A total of 131 patients with idiopathic PD were consecutively recruited from an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The FES-I was administered twice with a 10-14-day interval. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed. Construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, correlational analyses with clinical and functional measures, and known-groups comparisons across modified Hoehn and Yahr stages. Results: No missing data were observed. The mean FES-I total score was 34.0 +/- 14.3, with minimal floor (2.3%) and ceiling (1.5%) effects. The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha = 0.976, and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.941-0.996). Sampling adequacy was confirmed (KMO = 0.962; Bartlett's chi²(120) = 2443, p < 0.001). Factor analysis supported a single-factor structure explaining 74.1% of the variance. Higher FES-I scores were significantly associated with greater disease severity, freezing of gait, impaired balance and mobility, and poorer quality of life (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The Turkish FES-I demonstrates strong reliability and construct validity in patients with Parkinson's disease and may serve as a clinically useful instrument for assessing fear of falling in this population.
