Intrinsic and Extrinsic Risk Factor for Fall among Community Dwelling Indonesian Elderly

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fall-related injuries are identified as a public health problem that has major consequences in affecting the lives of elderly people. Recent studies showed that one out of four elderly people suffers from this condition annually. AIM: This study aims at identification of fall risk factors that involve intrinsic and extrinsic factor to predict the future fall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study uses an observational design and a descriptive-analytic approach with a cross-sectional method which was used to identify risk factors for falls. This study targeted 60 years and above who live in West Java region. Afterward, a total of 420 people were obtained and divided into two regions, 215 people in Bandung Regency and 205 people in Bandung City. Furthermore, the sampling technique used was for cluster random sampling. RESULTS: The elderly who experienced incontinence in controlling urination had the potential of falling by 4 times compared to those who did not AOR = 3.73; 95% CI (1.038–13.428). Furthermore, those who had history of falling in the past 12 months were 2.4 times exposed compared to those who had not fallen AOR = 2.438; 95% CI (1.219–4.875). Balance disorders also contributed in increasing the risk of fall by 2 times with a value of AOR = 1.703; 95% CI (1.018–2.849). An extrinsic factor, namely, unsafe home environment has higher possibility to increase the risk of falling 2.6 times compared to those in safer environment (AOR = 2.603; 95% CI [1.331–5.087]). CONCLUSION: This study succeeded in identifying the risk factors for falls among the elderly in intrinsic and extrinsic approach. This finding can be used as a reference in planning health promotion programs for elderly people, specifically in the primary prevention of morbidity and mortality that occur due to falls.