Determination of the Home Accident Frequency and Related Factors Among the People Older than 65 Years Old Living in Mersin City Center, Turkey

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of home accidents among elderly people living in Mersin and the factors affecting their occurrence. The data of 609 elderly people were analyzed. The people referred to a family health center for any reason were included in the study. The frequency of having a home accident in the previous month was 9.9%. The prevalence of home accidents was 3 times higher in females, 2.7 times higher in people living with their children, 2.3 times higher in elderly who have visual impairment, and 2.7 times higher in elderly who have poor health status. Also, increase in age was a risk factor for home accidents. Home accidents constitute a significant problem for elderly people in Mersin. Environmental factors that may cause accidents within the home should be determined and the household should be arranged according to the elderly. Health problems that may pose a risk for accidents should be identified and treated.