Abstract
Objective: To investigate the demographic characteristics of falls and fall-related injuries in Chinese elderly population. Methods: In 2013, the 4(th) round Chronic Non-communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in China was conducted in 31 provinces. A stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select the samples. A total number of 98 629 community-based adults aged 60 years and older received a set of standardized questionnaires with a face to face interview. The prevalence rates of falls and consequent injuries were compared between different genders, age groups, levels of education and areas of residency. Results: The overall prevalence of falls among elderly in the previous 6 months was 8.0%(95%CI: 7.5%-8.5%). The prevalence was increasing with age and decreasing with the levels of education, and higher in females (9.1%) than in males (6.8%), with differences statistically significant (χ(2)=74.1, P<0.01). Prevalence rates were also seen higher in rural (8.6%), in widowed (11.0%) residents and in farmers or house workers than those in urban areas (7.2%), in non-widowed (7.0%), or having other jobs, with differences all statistically significant (χ(2)=7.7, P<0.01, χ(2)=128.0, P<0.01). 52.6% of the elderly got injured when fell. The proportion of injury was greater in females (54.8%) than that in males (49.6%), with differences statistically significant (χ(2)=10.2, P<0.01). Proportion of most frequent types of injuries were hip fractures (7.3%), hand/arm fractures (12.5%), head injury (8.0%) and bruise (53.6%) respectively. The proportion of hip fractures was 12.4% in elderly over 80 year of age, also was the highest. Conclusions: Results from the present study showed that elderly suffered high prevalence of falls.Statistically significant differences were seen in residents with different groups as genders, age, education levels, marital status, urban/rural areas or jobs. Group-based comprehensive prevention and intervention on falls should be strengthened.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Zhonghua liu xing bing xue za zhi = Zhonghua liuxingbingxue zazhi
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
