Fall Prevalence Research Articles

Investigation of long-term fall prevalence after total knee arthroplasty in Hatay: A cross-sectional study

Falls and fractures caused by falls in the elderly affect their daily activities, creating fear of movement and alienating the individual from social participation. Fall related-injuries are some of the main afraid complications after total knee arthroplasty surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of falling and fear of movement in the long period (one year and more after surgery) in patients who had total knee arthroplasty surgery. Patients who had total knee arthroplasty surgery in Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology between 01.01.2016 and 01.10.2020 enrolled in the study. Demographic information was recorded from the patient file or asked to the patients/caregivers via telemedicine. The falls before the surgery, falls after the surgery within 3 months, within 3 to 6 months, within 6 to 12 months which caregiver/relative’s remember recorded via telemedicine. Fear of movement assessed with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale was asked. 149 Patients with, mean age 67.06±8.72 years, female (85.9%), mostly house wives (80.5%) was the cohort. Their education time (89.8 %) were less than 5 years, and the huge majority of the patients did not have exercise habits (83.2%). The fall rate before the surgery was (35.6%), after the surgery was (36.9%), within the first 3 months (6.7%), 3 to 6 months (6%) and 6 to 12 months (11.7%). 7. 4 % of our patients had a fall related-fractures including: 2 radius distal fractures (1.3%), 3 hip fractures (2%), 3 periprosthetic fractures (2%), 1 patella fracture (0. 7%) and 2 vertebral compression fractures (1.3%). Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale score was 41(38-44). There was a positive correlation between kinesiofobia and those who did not have exercise habits and those who fell preoperatively (r: 0.31, p:0.01). Some of TKA patients were falling and had fear of movement. New researches should be conducted about what is the reason that makes the patients posture and movement more stable or which mechanism alters the balance. In order to prevent complications that may occur due to falls, new studies, treatment modalities and rehabilitation programs focusing on the etiology of falling in the elderly individuals should be organized.

One-Legged Balance Performance and Fall Risk in Mid and Later Life: Longitudinal Evidence From a British Birth Cohort

The one-legged balance test is widely used as a fall risk screening tool in both clinical and research settings. Despite rising fall prevalence in midlife, there is little evidence examining balance and fall risk in those aged <65 years. This study investigated the longitudinal associations between one-legged balance and the number of falls between ages 53 and 68 years. The study included 2,046 individuals from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health & Development, a British birth cohort study. One-legged balance times (eyes open, maximum: 30 seconds) were assessed at ages 53 years (1999) and 60-64 years (2006-2010). Fall history within the last year (none, 1, ≥2) was self-reported at ages 60-64 years and 68 years (2014). Multinomial logistic regressions assessed the associations between balance and change in balance with subsequent falls. Models adjusted for anthropometric, socioeconomic, behavioral, health status, and cognitive indicators. Analysis occurred between 2019 and 2022. Balance performance was not associated with single falls. Better balance performance at age 53 years was associated with decreased risk of recurrent falls at ages 60-64 years and 68 years, with similar associations between balance at age 60-64 years and recurrent falls at age 68 years. Those with consistently lower balance times (<15 seconds) were at greater risk (RRR=3.33, 95% CI=1.91, 5.80) of recurrent falls at age 68 years in adjusted models than those who could balance for 30 seconds at ages 53 years and 60-64 years. Lower balance and consistently low or declining performance were associated with a greater subsequent risk of recurrent falls. Earlier identification and intervention of those with poor balance ability can help to minimize the risk of recurrent falls in aging adults.

Falls, walking or balance problems, and limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) among older endometrial cancer survivors.

Functional status deficits are important quality of life concerns for older cancer survivors. We examined the prevalence of falls, walking/balance problems, and limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) among older women with a history of endometrial cancer. Cancer registry records from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program linked with Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) data were used to identify endometrial cancer survivors aged ≥ 65years who completed a survey ≥ 1year after their cancer diagnosis (N = 3766), as well as an age- and race-matched group of women without a cancer history (N = 3766). We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) to compare the prevalence of falls, walking or balance problems, and limitations in ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, getting in/out of chairs, walking, using the toilet) between groups. Difficulty with walking or balance was more common among survivors than the noncancer group (43% vs 36%; PR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.10-1.27). Fall prevalence was similar between groups (endometrial cancer: 25%; noncancer: 26%; PR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.89-1.08). Nearly half of endometrial cancer survivors (47%) reported at least one ADL limitation, with several activities (getting in/out of a chair, walking, bathing, using the toilet) more often limited among survivors than among women without cancer. Functional impairments, especially problems with walking and/or balance, are common among older endometrial cancer survivors. Our results highlight the importance of addressing functional problems during the ongoing survivorship care of women with a history of endometrial cancer, with referral to rehabilitation or other relevant services when indicated.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Falls Following Foot and Ankle Surgery

No study has examined the incidence of risk factors for postoperative falls following foot and ankle surgery. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for postoperative falls in foot and ankle surgery using inpatient and outpatient population. A single fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon instituted collection of a postoperative fall questionnaire at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. A retrospective review of 135 patients with complete prospectively collected fall questionnaire data was performed. Patient demographic information, injury characteristics, comorbidities, baseline medications, length of hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were collected. After univariable analysis, a multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted to assess independent risk factors for postoperative falls. The median (interquartile range) age was 52 (21) and body mass index was 32.7 (11.1). A total of 108 patients (80%) underwent outpatient procedures. Thirty-nine of the 135 patients (28.9%) reported experiencing a fall in the first 6 weeks after surgery. In multivariable analysis, antidepressant use (adjusted odds ratio 3.41, 95% CI 1.19-9.81) and higher VAS pain scores at 2 weeks postoperatively (adjusted odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.08-1.50) were found to be independent risk factors for postoperative falls. This study found a high incidence of postoperative falls in the first 6 weeks after foot and ankle surgery. Baseline antidepressant use and higher 2-week VAS pain scores were associated with postoperative falls. Foot and ankle surgeons should discuss the risk of falling with patients especially those with risk factors. Level III, retrospective cohort study at a single institution.

Environmental Factors Influencing the Prevalence of Falls in South Korea

Environmental Factors Influencing the Prevalence of Falls in South Korea

Relationship Between Lower Limb Function and Fall Prevalence in Ambulatory Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.

Falls are common, detrimental events among ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Following SCI, changes to lower limb function are probable and likely to impact an individual's fall risk, yet no comprehensive review has been completed on the topic. This study systematically reviewed data on the relationship between lower limb function and fall prevalence in ambulatory individuals with SCI. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts/titles and then full articles. Study details, participants' characteristics, lower limb function assessed, and fall-related data were extracted from the studies. A qualitative analysis of the relationship between lower limb function and fall prevalence was performed. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The search yielded 1553 articles. Eight prospective, two retrospective, and three cross-sectional studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies ranged from low to high risk of bias. Overall, the qualitative analysis provided little evidence to support the relationship between lower limb function recorded by clinical measures and fall prevalence. This review highlights the inconsistent relationship between lower limb function and falls prevalence in ambulatory adults with SCI. Greater uniformity in methodology and consistent categorization of fallers and nonfallers among researchers is necessary to move the field forward. Investigating additional factors such as behavior traits, assistive device use, and environmental risk factors may be appropriate in understanding fall prevalence in this population.

Prevalence of fall and associated risk factors among the elderly living in a rural area of Kolar.

Falls in elderly persons are one of the leading causes of death. Falls are responsible for 10-15% of all emergency department visits among elderly. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of falls in rural areas and to assess the various socio-demographic factors associated with falls. It was a community-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Devarayanasamudra, Department of Community Medicine, among the elderly persons aged ≥ 60 years. The total sample size was 511, calculated using a previous study using OpenEpi software. The data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The period prevalence of falls was assessed by asking for history of falls in the past 12 months. Chi-square and regression analysis were performed with statistically significant P value defined as less than 0.05. Out of 511 elderly persons aged ≥60 years, females accounted for about 54.8% and most of them were of 60-69 years age-group. The majority of the study subjects were illiterates (77.3%), and most of them were married (77.2%). The prevalence of falls in elderly persons was 46.8%. The elderly aged ≥70 years, females, chronic diseases, and use of walking aid were observed to have a statistically significant association with falls (p < 0.005). Elderly falls are very common. The primary healthcare providers in rural areas play an important role in prevention of falls in elderly. Caregivers, along with elderly, should be given more detailed health education related to fall prevention.

Telogen effluvium after COVID-19 vaccination among public in Saudi Arabia.

Number of reports linked Telogen effluvium to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, data about Telogen effluvium after COVID-19 vaccination are limited. To estimate prevalence of Telogen effluvium among those who received COVID-19 vaccination. A cross-sectional study was performed during July 2021. Adults who received one of recognized COVID-19 vaccine irrespective of previous COVID-19 infection were asked to fill a questionnaire. The majority of participants were females (90.3%). The most common age group was between 21 and 30 years (51.9%). Out of 991 participants who were included in the current analysis, 670 (67.6%) reported post-vaccination hair fall. The probable causes of post-vaccination hair fall were vaccine-related in 185 (27.6%) participants, other causes in 326 (48.7%) participants, and unclear in 326 (48.7%) participants. Post-vaccination hair fall was significantly higher among females compared with males (68.5% versus 57.9%, P = 0.036), those who did not suffer compared with those who suffered from hair fall before vaccination (72.1% versus 63.4%, P = 0.003), and those who did not report compared with those who reported preexisting conditions that might be related to hair fall (74.5% versus 57.3%, P < 0.001). We are reporting a high prevalence of post-vaccination hair fall, which affected approximately two-thirds of participants who received COVID-19 vaccines. Only 28% of these participants were apparently vaccine related. The role of COVID-19 infection and stress caused by infection and vaccine cannot be excluded. Primary care physician and dermatologist need to consider the possibility of COVID-19 vaccine as a potential cause of hair loss.

Which factors influence the prevalence of institution-acquired falls? Results from an international, multi-center, cross-sectional survey.

PurposeFalls are a highly prevalent problem in hospitals and nursing homes with serious negative consequences such as injuries, increased care dependency, or even death. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive insight into institution‐acquired fall (IAF) prevalence and risk factors for IAF in a large sample of hospital patients and nursing home residents among five different countries.DesignThis study reports the outcome of a secondary data analysis of cross‐sectional data collected in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom in 2017 and 2018. These data include 58,319 datapoints from hospital patients and nursing home residents.MethodsDescriptive statistics, statistical tests, logistic regression, and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to analyze the data.FindingsIAF prevalence in hospitals and nursing homes differed significantly between the countries. Turkey (7.7%) had the highest IAF prevalence rate for hospitals, and Switzerland (15.8%) had the highest IAF prevalence rate for nursing homes. In hospitals, our model revealed that IAF prevalence was associated with country, age, care dependency, number of medical diagnoses, surgery in the last two weeks, and fall history factors. In nursing homes, care dependency, diseases of the nervous system, and fall history were identified as significant risk factors for IAF prevalence.ConclusionsThis large‐scale study reveals that the most important IAF risk factor is an existing history of falls, independent of the setting. Whether a previous fall has occurred within the last 12 months is a simple question that should be included on every (nursing) assessment at the time of patient or resident admission. Our results guide the development of tailored prevention programs for persons at risk of falling in hospitals and nursing homes.

Is MNA-SF is in a relation with falls?

Rationale: Malnutrition is a syndrome that increases the risk of falling (1). Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), which is frequently used to evaluate malnutrition risk for outpatients, also predict the fall risk in geriatric population (2).The study aimed to examine the relationship between fall prevalence and MNA-SF scores.

Prevalence, Circumstances, and Risk Factors of Falls Among Community Dwelling Members of University of the Third Age.

Objective: Study aimed to identify the prevalence of falls and associated contributory factors among older Malaysians.Methods: A cross sectional study among community dwelling older adults aged 50 years and above. Self-administered questionnaires on history of falls in the previous 12 months, physical assessment and computerized and clinical measures of balance were assessed on a single occasion.Results: Forty nine (31.0%) participants fell, with 4.4% reported having multiple falls within the previous 12 months. Slips were the most prevalent cause of falls, accounting for 49% of falls. More than half (54.5%) of falls occurred in the afternoon while participants walked inside the home (32.7%), outside home (30.6%), and 36.7% were in community areas. More than half of respondents were identified as having turning instability. Step Test, turn sway, depression, physical activity level and edge contrast sensitivity were significantly worse for fallers (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that turning performance, visual acuity and back pain were significantly associated with falls risk, accounting for 72% of the variance of risk factors for falls among studied population.Conclusion: Falls are common among community dwelling older Malaysians. The findings provide information of falls and falls risk factors among community dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Future intervention studies should target locally identified falls risk factors. This study has highlighted the importance of instability during turning as an important fall risk factor.

Falls, Fear of Falling, and Preventive Measures in Huntington's Disease: The Perspectives of Individuals with Huntington's Disease and Caregivers inLong-Term Care.

Falls are common in Huntington's disease (HD), which can have serious consequences and may therefore lead to fear of falling (FoF). There is little knowledge about falls or FoF in individuals with HD or about formal and informal caregivers' fear about falls in individuals with HD. To explore prevalence of falls, FoF and fall preventive measures both those applied and those not included in managing falls in individuals with HD and their formal and informal caregivers, and to identify the relationship between FoF and, anxiety, awareness and cognitive functioning respectively. In a multi-center observational cross-sectional study, care-independent and -dependent individuals with HD and their formal and informal caregivers were recruited from six Dutch nursing homes specialized in HD. The participants were assessed by means of questionnaires enquiring about falls, FoF, awareness of fall risk, cognition, anxiety and fall preventive measures. For all included 158 individuals with HD, the fall prevalence over the last 30 days was 28.8%. The prevalence of FoF in individuals with HD, formal caregivers and informal caregivers was 47.6%, 25.6%, and 63.5%, respectively, for care-independent individuals with HD and 46.9%, 26.3%, and 62.0%, respectively, for care-dependent individuals with HD. Anticipatory awareness of fall risks and gender are predictors of FoF in care-independent individuals with HD, though not in the care-dependent group. A combination of fall preventive measures is used in most individuals with HD. Fall prevalence is high and FoF is common in individuals with HD and their caregivers. Gender and anticipatory awareness are risk factors for FoF. In addition to the use of individual multifactorial fall prevention strategies, it is important to support both formal and informal caregivers in coping with falls.

Prevalence, Circumstances, and Risk Factors of Falls Among Community Dwelling Members of University of the Third Age.

Introduction: The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves a variety of physical, behavioral, and social transformations, often including tobacco use. Because understanding smoking at this stage is important for tobacco control, we aimed to analyze the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the Brazilian youth population.Methods: This study included participants aged 16–25 years from all Brazilian capitals. A standardized questionnaire was administered by trained healthcare professionals to collect information about sociodemographic status, sexual behavior, and tobacco use. The samples from each capital were weighted by age range and sex.Results: Of the 8,581 participants, 15.1% were current smokers, and 20.0% were former smokers; the average age at first tobacco use was 15.5 years. The prevalence of smoking in men was higher than that in women (20.1 vs. 10.3%, p < 0.01). Education level was associated with current smoking and former smoking. Participants with an elementary education level had a higher smoking prevalence (PR: 5.84, 95%, CI: 4.29–7.95) than those with a secondary education (PR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.63–2.93) and those with higher education. Those without current partners (PR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.56) also had a higher prevalence of smoking than those with partners, and participants who had a previous same-sex sexual experience smoked more (PR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.78–2.96) than those who did not. In addition, regular use of alcohol was associated with higher prevalence of cigarette smoking (PR: 5.65, 95% CI: 4.03–7.90) than a lack of alcohol consumption. Skin color and socioeconomic class did not exhibit significant relationships with tobacco use patterns.Conclusions: Smoking was associated with education level regardless of social class, and some specific behaviors associated with a same-sex sexual experience were associated with a higher prevalence of smoking. These findings are important for formulating policies and directing actions to combat and prevent smoking among young populations.

Gait Ability and Muscle Strength in Institutionalized Older Persons with and without Cognitive Decline and Association with Falls.

Falls are a complex problem, given their multifactorial nature, the comorbidities involved, and due to the dependency of older persons living in nursing homes. Risk, fear of falling, falls themselves, and their recurrence are the main factors behind fragility fractures, lack of independence, and increases in pain prevalence, and other comorbidities in older populations. The objectives of the present quantitative and longitudinal study were: (a) to characterize the cognitive state and fall frequency of older persons living in nursing homes; (b) to analyze the relationship between cognitive status and some fall risk factors; and (c) to associate cognitive decline, gait ability, and muscle strength of the examined institutionalized older persons with fall occurrence and recurrence over 12 months. The participants were 204 older persons who lived in Portuguese nursing homes, and data were collected from January 2019 to February 2020 by consulting medical records and applying the following instruments: the Mini-Mental State Examination, Timed Up and Go Test, and Medical Research Council Manual Muscle Testing Scale. Fall prevalence, assessed in two periods, 12 months apart, was similar in both samples (with and without cognitive decline) and close to 42%, and the annual recurrence rate was 38.3%. Older persons with no cognitive decline showed an association between gait speed and occurrence of first fall and recurrent fall (p < 0.05). Muscle strength and use of gait aid devices were not related to falls and their recurrence, regardless of mental state.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Falls among Egyptian Elderly Attending Primary Health Centers in Suez Governorate

Abstract Objectives To estimate the prevalence and probable risk factors of falls among a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Design A cross-sectional comparative study. Setting and Participants Study included 300 older adults (both men and women) recruited from 3 primary healthcare centers, all located in Suez Governorate, Egypt (Alsalam medical center, Mubarak medical center and Alsabbah medical center). Methods All participants were questioned about their fall history in the precedent year and were assessed using: Structured interview questionnaire and physical examination, Fall Risk Assessment Tool, Basic and instrumental activities of daily living, Timed Up and Go test, Single leg stance test, handgrip strength measurement, Mini-Mental Status Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Participants were categorized as faller and non-faller groups according to their fall history in the precedent year and were then compared as regard common fall risk factors (intrinsic and extrinsic). Results Prevalence of falls among the studied populations was 29%. Women fell more frequently than men (accounting for 64.4% and 35.6% of fallers, p = 0.01). Most falls occurred indoors (58.3%). A significant association was found between fall history and age, sex, muscle weakness, depression, urinary incontinence, IHD, visual impairment, fear of falling, use of assistive device, postural hypotension, and polypharmacy. Conclusion Prevalence of falls in community-dwelling elderly in Suez Governorate is 29%. Identification of factors significantly affecting elderly falls can help in planning public health policies and programs for prevention of falls.

Fall Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Geriatric Population

Aim: To determine the prevalence of fall among geriatric population and to find out risk factors associated with fall. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 223, raised through non-probability convenient sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were older adults both genders, aged 60 years and above. The exclusion criteria were older persons with severe and uncontrolled co morbidities that include diabetes, hypertension, memory impairment, stroke, psychiatric disorders, and use of any walking aid. Data was collected through semi structured questionnaire. Fall risk assessment scale was used to categorize fall risk status in older persons. Data was analyzed using SPSS 24. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were applied. Results: The overall mean age of participants was 67.61±5.64 years. Out of 223 participants, females were 134(60.1%) and 89(39.9%) were males. The prevalence of falls reported in elderly was 42.6%. Most prevalent fall were reported under category of 1-2 falls, out of which females had 43(32.1 %) and males had 29 (32.6%) falls. Among study participants 87 (39.0%) were in high-risk group while 136(61.0%) participants were in low-risk group. Furthermore, weak eyesight, use of medications, vertigo/imbalance, and chronic medical conditions (p&lt;0.05) were considered as most significant risk factors with fall. Conclusion: The study showed significant number of older adults who had fall. Female were at high risk of fall. Weak eyesight, use of medications, vertigo/imbalance, and chronic medical conditions were found to be most prevalent risk factors associated with fall. Keywords: Fall, geriatrics, aging, fall risk, prevalence, old age

Seasonal variation in the management and outcomes of cardiac arrest complicating acute myocardial infarction.

There are limited data on the influence of seasons on the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction-cardiac arrest (AMI-CA). To evaluate the outcomes of AMI-CA by seasons in the United States. Retrospective cohort study. Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2017, adult (>18 years) admissions with AMI-CA were identified. Seasons were defined by the month of admission as spring, summer, fall and winter. The outcomes of interest were prevalence of AMI-CA, in-hospital mortality, use of coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), hospital length of stay, hospitalization costs and discharge disposition. Of the 10 880 856 AMI admissions, 546 334 (5.0%) were complicated by CA, with a higher prevalence in fall and winter (5.1% each) compared to summer (5.0%) and spring (4.9%). Baseline characteristics of AMI-CA admissions admitted in various seasons were largely similar. Compared to AMI-CA admissions in spring, summer and fall, AMI-CA admissions in winter had slightly lower rates of coronary angiography (63.3-64.3% vs. 61.4%) and PCI (47.2-48.4% vs. 45.6%). Compared to those admitted in the spring, adjusted in-hospital mortality was higher for winter {46.8% vs. 44.2%; odds ratio (OR) 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.10]; P < 0.001}, lower for summer [43% vs. 44.2%; OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98); P < 0.001] and comparable for fall [44.4% vs. 44.2%; OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.99-1.03); P = 0.31] AMI-CA admissions. Length of hospital stay, total hospitalization charges and discharge dispositions for AMI-CA admissions were comparable across the seasons. AMI-CA admissions in the winter were associated with lower rates of coronary angiography and PCI, and higher rates of in-hospital mortality compared to the other seasons.

A FALLS AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTOR AMONG THE ELDERLY: RESULTS FROM AN ELDERLY SCREENING PROGRAMME IN KELANTAN

Falls in the elderly is one of the health issues. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of fall among the elderly and its associated factor. This was a cross-sectional retrospective record review study. Data from the elderly health screening programme of government health clinics in Kota Bharu, Kelantan were obtained. All elderly who participated in the programme for the year 2014 was eligible. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess for associated factors of falls with self-reported fall events. Data for n=434 participants were retrieved. The prevalence of falls among the elderly who participated in the health screening programme was 23.3% (95% CI: 0.19, 0.27). This study demonstrated that falls was associated with age more than 80 years old (OR adj 32.20, 95% CI: 8.54, 121.39; p&lt;0.001), being female (OR adj 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.87; p= 0.017), being employed (OR adj 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.26; p=0.001), obesity (OR adj 2.65, 95% CI: 1.20, 5.86; p= 0.016), symptoms of dizziness (OR adj 6.77, 95% CI: 1.39, 32.98; p= 0.018), imbalance and instability (OR adj 9.92, 95% CI: 1.39, 32.98; p&lt;0.001), polypharmacy (OR adj 4.72, 95% CI: 1.20, 5.86; p=0.001) and increased waist circumference (OR adj 2.54, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.01; p=0.007). This study demonstrated that the prevalence of falls among the elderly is still an issue and its associated factors should be intervened.

Prevalence of Falls in Patients Presenting to an Ophthalmic Outpatients Department- A Surveillance Study.

Introduction:Approximately 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and over experience a fall each year. Poor vision is an identified risk factor. The aim of this cross-sectional public health surveillance audit was to determine the prevalence of falls experienced in the previous 12 months by adult patients presenting to an ophthalmology department.Methods:A short questionnaire was given to consecutive patients attending an ophthalmology department at two trusts in the North West to determine whether they had experienced a fall in the previous 12 months, whether they had suffered a fracture, their eye condition and the type of glasses worn.Results:Data was collected for 585 patients (mean age: 69 years, SD: 13.8). Falls in the previous 12 months were reported by 96 (16.4%) patients, and a significant proportion of these were aged 60 years and over (82%, p < 0.0001, one-sample binomial test). Half of the respondents were unaware of their eye health condition for which they were attending the department. Glaucoma was the most prevalent condition in those who had experienced a fall (43%). A significant proportion of the individuals who reported a fall wore single-vision glasses (43%, p < 0.0001, one-sample chi-square test).Conclusion:In an ophthalmology outpatient department, the proportion of older adults who experienced a fall in the previous 12 months was lower than the reported prevalence in the general population. There is a need for health literacy to educate patients about their eye condition, the potential effects on their visual function and, consequently, managing falls risk.

Urban-Rural Dimension of Falls and Associated Risk Factors among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in West Java, Indonesia.

Falls are one of the common problems among older adults; it is estimated that 684,000 fatal cases of falls occur every year. Furthermore, falls constitute one of the leading causes of mortality due to accidental injury. This study aims to identify the risk factors for falls in the older adults who live in the community, according to the dimensions of the living area: in urban and rural. The proportional sampling method was used to identify the rural and urban areas in West Java Prefecture; meanwhile, the incidence of fall in the last 12 months was selected as the outcome variable. Furthermore, sociodemographic background, chronic medical condition, fear of falling, visual and hearing impairments, Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Barthel index, physical performance (Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB)), and living environment were analyzed to identify the risk factors that contribute to the incidence of falls. A total of 611 older adults participated in this study: 62% of them are living in rural area and 38% of them are living urban areas. More than 70% of study participants were aged 60–69 years, while 73% were females. There is no significant difference in fall prevalence in rural (16.5%) and urban (10.7%) areas (p value = 0.228). Furthermore, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the male gender (OR = 0.29, 95%CI [0.09–0.88]), chronic illness (OR = 3.25, 95%CI [1.24–8.53]), and visual impairment (OR = 3.6, 95%CI [1.52–8.54]) were associated with fall among older adults in urban areas. Meanwhile, visual impairment (OR = 1.81, 95%CI [1.03–3.18]) and living environment (OR = 3.36, 95% CI [1.14–9.93]) were significantly associated with falls in rural areas. Based on the associated risk factors identified in this study, a different approach is needed to reduce the falling risk among older adults in urban and rural areas in Indonesia.