Relationship Between Socio-Economic Factors and Fall Risk for Elder Koreans

Abstract

Falls are a common cause of functional impairment, disability, and death in elderly. This study is aimed to examine the relation of socio-economic factors to fall risk in community-dwelling Korean older people. Secondary data analysis of the 2014 Korean National Elderly Living Conditions and Welfare Desire Survey was used. Total 10,451 individuals were participated in the survey. Ten variables related to socio-economic status in older people were selected, including age, household type, marital status, educational level, occupation (current and past), income, wealth, the number of children, and relationship satisfaction. Results showed that ~25% of elderly individuals experienced fall. Through a further analysis with multiple logistic regression, current employment status, relationship satisfaction with the children, past career, marital status, and educational level were identified as major socio-economic factors related to fall risk in Korean older people. These findings could contribute to estimating the elderly’s fall risk without particular assessments.