Analysis of outcomes from a geriatrician-led evidence-based falls prevention clinic: a retrospective study from Qatar

Abstract

Background Falls are an important health concern among older persons. This study attempted to evaluate the characteristics and risk factors of falls in older persons attending a geriatric falls clinic in Qatar, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 265 patients aged ≥ 65 years who visited the Falls Clinic between January 1, 2019, and November 28, 2021.Results The study population showed a significant prevalence of chronic diseases, with hypertension (94.3%) and diabetes (87.5%) being the most common diseases. A substantial percentage of people reported functional difficulties, such as falls during the recent year and injuries. Interestingly, people recruited during the pandemic used assistive devices at a far higher proportion (46.9% vs. 5.5% previously). This group also reported higher rates of dizziness (54.9% vs. 26.7%, respectively) and pain (50.2% vs. 20.0%, respectively). Participants recruited during the epidemic had significantly elevated systolic blood pressure.Conclusion This study showed an increased incidence of comorbidities and functional impairments in older adults who visited a fall prevention clinic in Qatar. These findings suggest that the pandemic may exacerbate population vulnerability.

Keywords

• Falls prevention
• older adults
• COVID-19
• risk factors
• dementia
• Qatar