Prevalence and Factors Associated with Falls among Older Outpatients

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

ThuThi Hoai Nguyen¹  AnhTrung Nguyen¹  ThanhXuan Nguyen¹  HuyenThi Thanh Vu¹  TamNgoc Nguyen¹  Thang Pham¹  HuongThi Thu Nguyen¹  Van-AnhThi Ha² 

[1] Department of Geriatrics, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;Outpatient Department, National Geriatric Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;

关键词: falls;    elderly;    outpatients;    geriatric syndromes;    associated factors;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph18084041

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Falls in older people are a major public health issue, as they are associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with falls among older outpatients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 539 outpatients aged 60 and over at the National Geriatric Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. Falls and their associated factors were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence of falls was 23.7% (single fall 17.9%, recurrent falls 5.8%). The majority of falls occurred at home (69.6%) and were caused by a slippery floor (51.6%). After falling, most patients sustained physical injuries (65.6%); notably, women suffered more severe injuries than men. Alcohol consumption, using psychotropic medications, having three or more comorbidities, hypertension, COPD, urinary incontinence, frailty, fear of falling, ADL/IADL limitation, slow walking speed and mobility impairment were significantly associated with falls. Overall, the data indicated that falls were prevalent among older outpatients. Behavior factors, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes and physical function were substantially associated with falls, suggesting that most falls are preventable. Further longitudinal studies of longer periods are needed to comprehensively investigate the risk factors for falls.

【 授权许可】

Unknown