Limited studies suggest there are large race differentials in fall injury rates, but no one has described differences among all major race groups in a population-based study. California's large population permits calculation of detailed age/race rates. Cases here are 104,902 initial hospitalizations for fall on the same level (ICD-9 E885) in California, 1995-1997. Fall rates increase rapidly, especially for females, after age 50, but more so for whites. For age 90+, white rates are 3,556/100,000 compared to less than 1,500 for blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. The predominant diagnosis is fracture, especially of the hip and extremities (63%). Whites are significantly more likely to have a hip fracture. The hypothesis that race differences reflect differences in osteoporosis is not supported, because osteoporosis is seldom listed among the 25 diagnosis fields in hospital discharges. Better ascertainment of diagnosis in older fallers is needed if osteologic factors in race differentials are to be understood. Lacking this understanding, it is not possible to determine what other physical, behavioral, or environmental variables may contribute to the large excess risk experienced by older whites.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Aging, Hip Fractures
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.