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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jeannine Schiller, MPH¹, Ellen Kramarow, PhD², Achintya Dey, MA¹, and Margaret Warner, PhD². (1) Division of Health Interview Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 3311 Toledo Rd., Room 2334, Hyattsville, MD 20782, 301 458 4470, jdv2@cdc.gov, (2) Office of Analysis and Epidemiology, National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 3311 Toledo Rd., Room 6332, Hyattsville, MD 20782

Objectives: This study examines national estimates of fall injury episodes for U.S. adults aged 65 years and over by selected characteristics. Circumstances surrounding the fall injury and consequences of the fall injury were also analyzed. Methods: Combined data from the 2001-2003 National Health Interview Surveys, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, were analyzed using SUDAAN software to produce estimates for the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. Data on medically-attended fall injuries occurring within the 3 months preceding the interview were obtained from an adult family member. Results: The annual rate of fall injuries for adults aged 65 years and over was 52 episodes per 1,000 population per year. Rates of fall injuries increased with age and were higher for women compared with men. Non-Hispanic whites had higher rates of fall injuries compared with non-Hispanic blacks. Older adults with certain chronic conditions and activity limitations had higher rates of fall injuries compared with older adults without these conditions. The leading cause of fall injuries among older adults was slipping, tripping, or stumbling. Most fall injuries occurred inside or outside the home. Nearly 60% of older adults who experienced a fall injury visited an emergency room. Nearly one-third of older adults experiencing a fall injury needed help with activities of daily living as a result. Conclusion: Fall injuries remain prevalent among older adults and result in high health care utilization and activity limitations. Rates of fall injuries vary among different demographic and health characteristics.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the demographic and health characteristics of older adults who experienced a fall injury during the past 3 months.
• Identify the most common cause, location, and type of fall injury for older adults.
• Assess the magnitude of activity limitation and heath care utilization as a result of fall injuries for older adults.

Keywords: Injuries, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No