Clinical Interventions in Aging (Sep 2022)
Falls Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam
Abstract
Huan Thanh Nguyen, Chanh Cong Nguyen, Thien Le Hoang Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh city, VietnamCorrespondence: Huan Thanh Nguyen, Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, 217 Hong Bang Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tel +84-909097849, Email [email protected]: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with falls in older adult outpatients during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Vietnam.Patients and Methods: From February 2022 to June 2022, this cross-sectional study included 814 patients (aged ≥ 60 years; mean age 71.8 ± 7.3 years; women, 65.2%) attending three geriatric clinics for a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Self-reported fall events in the past 12 months and post-COVID-19 falls were assessed. Factors associated with falls were determined using logistic regression analysis.Results: In total, 188 patients (23.1%) had falls (single fall, 75.5%; recurrent falls, 24.5%). The most frequent location, time, and circumstance of falls were the bedroom (43.1%), morning (54.3%), and dizziness (34.6%), respectively. Most patients experienced health issues after falls (bruise/grazes, 53.7%; fracture, 12.8%; immobility, 9.6%; hospital admission, 14.9%). In the adjusted model, factors associated with falls were being underweight (odds ratio [OR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37– 4.56, P = 0.003), limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.05– 3.95, P = 0.036), poor sleep quality (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.10– 3.05, P = 0.020), and fear of falling (OR 3.45, 95% CI 2.23– 5.33, P < 0.001). Among 357 COVID-19 infected patients, post-COVID-19 falls occurred in 35 patients (9.8%) and were associated with fear of falling (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.18– 8.40, P = 0.023) and post-COVID-19 lower limb weakness (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.07– 6.10, P = 0.035).Conclusion: Our study found a substantial prevalence of falls among older outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Management of factors associated with falls may be needed to reduce the burden of falls in the older population.Keywords: falls, prevalence, Vietnam, COVID-19
