Consumer perspectives on grab bars: A Canadian national survey of grab bar acceptability in homes.

ABSTRACT: Given the prevalence and severity of bathroom falls and injuries across age groups, there is growing interest in policy-level approaches to bathroom fall prevention. Grab bars reduce fall risk during bathing transfers and improve bathing accessibility for adults of all ages and abilities. However, they are frequently absent from bathing environments, even in the homes of individuals who have a specific need for a grab bar. While mandatory bathroom grab bar installation has been suggested, it is unclear whether this would be supported by Canadians. The purpose of this study was to characterize Canadian public perceptions on the installation and use of grab bars in home bathrooms. We surveyed 443 Canadians about whether they currently had a grab bar and their perspectives on grab bar policy.

SUBMITTER: Levine IC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9618860 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature