Incidence and risk factors of falls among south indian community-dwelling elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Falls are an important health problem among elderly, with various consequences. The objectives of this study were to estimate 1-year incidence of falls, distribution, and severity of fall-related injuries and to determine risk factors for fall risk among the elderly population aged ≥60 years. Methods: A total of 140 urban community-dwelling participants aged ≥60 years were studied using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Short physical performance battery, chair stand test, handgrip strength, and anthropometric measurements were done. The Chi-square test was done to compare fallers and nonfallers. Logistic regression was done for independently associated risk factors. Results: One-year incidence of falls was 14.3%; 17.6% among women and 9.1% among men. Sixty percent of participants had multiple falls. Seventy-five percent of the fallers were overweight or obese. Sprain was the most common reported fall-related injury (20%), whereas 45% had no injuries. Depression (60%), osteoporosis (80%), poor activities of daily living (90%), and polypharmacy (35%) were significantly associated with falls. Osteoporosis (odds ratio: 14.89; 95% confidence interval: 1.91–115.95) was independently associated with fall risk. Conclusions: The burden of falls among urban elderly was low. The majority of the population experienced multiple falls. Since chronic diseases including osteoporosis and poor mobility were directly associated with the risk of falls, further longitudinal studies may explore the health-related and socioenvironmental risks further.

Keywords

• elderly
• falls
• india
• injuries
• risk factors