Women and stroke patients are more at risk for fall- related injury among older persons

Abstract

Background<br />In Indonesia, the prevalence of injury has increased from 7.9% in 2007 to 8.2% in 2013. Among older persons, falls were the main cause of injury. The objective of this study was to determine the major risk factors and the magnitude of the risk for fall-related injury in older persons.<br /><br />Methods<br />A study of cross-sectional design was conducted on 4,222 respondents aged 60 years and over. Injury was defined as fall-related injury occurring in the previous 12 months that disturbed activity dailyu living (ADL). Data collection was done by: 1) interview about sociodemographics and health (including hearing impairment, non-communicable diseases and injury) using a questionnaire, 2) measurement of blood pressure and anthropometry (body mass index), 3) examination of vision in the right nd left eyes using tumbling E cards and pinhole eye covers. Data were analyzed using the chi square test and multiple logistic regression with 0.05 significance level.<br /><br />Results <br />After controlling for age, occupation, vision disorder, educational level and economic status, older women had a 2.0-fold increased risk for fall-related injury compared to men (aOR=2.30; 95% CI: 1.93-2.73; p=0.000); subjects with a history of stroke had a 2.0-fold increased risk for fall-related injury compared to those without a history of stroke (aOR=2.07; 95% CI: 1.38-3.09; p=0.000). Educational level was a confounding factor.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Women and stroke sufferers were at higher risk of fall-related injury among older persons. Prevention of fall-related injury should be done by older persons through periodic control of their health condition.