Online Program

318561
Do Socio-demographic Correlates of Fall-Related Injuries Vary by Body Mass Index?


Monday, November 2, 2015

Vishnu Nepal, MSc, MPH, Office of Health Planning, Evaluation and Research for Effectiveness, Houston Health Department, Houston, TX
Deborah Banerjee, PhD, Houston Health Department, Houston Health Department, Houston, TX
Background: Socio-demographic correlates of fall-related injuries among aging population are not well understood. Even less is known about the role of obesity in the relationship between socio-demographic factors and fall-related injuries.   

Method: Texas BRFSS (2012) data (N=1688) was examined to identify the socio-demographic determinants of fall-related injuries among obese versus non-obese groups. The dependent variable was fall-related injuries  that limit an individual’s regular activities for at least a day or require them to go see a doctor among our target group of 45 years and older.

Results: In Texas, about two-fifth (39.5%) of falls resulted in injuries. Preliminary analyses indicated that sex, employment status, and income are associated with injuries. Multivariate analyses indicated that among those with BMI > 30, Hispanics and individuals of Other race category were less likely to report injuries compared to Whites [OR.48 (95 % CI=.24 - .94); and .06(.01 - .5)] respectively. Women were more than twice likely to report injuries compared to men (OR=2.01, 95% CI, 1.19 – 3.39), and individuals with income more than $50,000 were less likely to report injuries compared to those with income less than 25k.  Among individuals with BMI < 30, only sex was the significant predictor of injuries where women were more likely to report injuries compared to men.

Conclusion: Socio-demographic correlates of fall-related injuries differ by the BMI status. Interventions aimed at preventing fall-related injuries among obese individuals may consider race / ethnicity, gender and income status, while interventions aimed at non-obese individuals should consider gender differences.

Learning Areas:

Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the role of obesity in the relationship between socio-demographics and fall-related injuries.

Keyword(s): Public Health Research, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conceptualized this study and analysed the data.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.