Investigation of User Satisfaction and Associated Factors in Geriatrics Using Walking Aids: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate user satisfaction and associated factors in geriatrics using a walking aid. Material and Methods: The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 was used to assess the satisfaction of 269 individuals aged ?65 years using any walking aid. The relationships between sat isfaction and age, years of use, body mass index, number of falls in the last year, physical activity level and health-related quality of life were analyzed. Results: The most commonly used walking aid was cane (78.8%). Ease of use was the most satisfied feature, while adjustments was the least satisfied feature. The three most important features were safety, ease of use and weight. Walking aid satisfaction had weak neg ative correlations with physical activity (r=-0.246) and quality of life (r=-0.131) (p<0.05). In addition, 41.6% of the participants stated that they had fallen at least once in the last year and 70.7% of them did not use a walking aid during the fall. Conclusion: Geriatrics with lower quality of life and physical activity values tend to have higher user sat isfaction with walking aids with a weak relationship. Satisfaction results may contribute to the design and selection of appropriate walking aids for this population.