Context: Finding out the physical functioning risk factors of falls among elderly people can help public health professionals to plan injury prevention at both community and health care facility level.
Methods: A survey of 966 elderly people 65 years or older in Alabama was assessed using hierarchical logistic regression model. Falling at least once or no fall in the past year was dichotomized as 1 or 0. Mobility, mobility aids, balance, strength, chronic conditions and vision were also coded dichotomously. These factors, along with activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), were included as independent variables in the model. Possible interactions were also examined.
Results: Falls did not relate to any demographic factors. Among physical functioning variables, using mobility aids was the strongest predictor of falls (OR=2.0, P=.001). For white elderly, poor balance was a risk factor of falls, while it was not a significant factor for African-American elderly (interaction OR=.2, P=.036). Having Parkinson’s disease also predicted falls (OR=3.8, P=.048). Having diabetes was a marginal predictor of falls (OR=1.4, P=.085).
Conclusions: Using mobility aids and poor balance was two preventable risk factors for elderly falls. Interventions aiming at facilitating mobility aid users in daily life or improving balance by certain exercises should be considered as fall injury prevention strategies for elderly people.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Elderly, Risk Factors
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.