Risk factors for single and recurrent falls: A prospective study of falls in community dwelling seniors without cognitive impairment
Journal
Preventive Medicine
Journal Volume
57
Journal Issue
5
Pages
511-517
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to contribute evidence towards heterogeneity in risk factors for single and recurrent falls. Method: This is a prospective study conducted in Taiwan. Participants were randomly selected from the examinees of the annual health examination in 2010. Participants were interviewed with a detailed questionnaire and followed up one year later. Predictor variables included socio-demographic characteristics, medical conditions, laboratory data, and risk factors for osteoporosis. The outcome was falls in the ensuing 12. months. Results: The mean age of the 653 completers was 75.6 ± 6.4. Half (48.7%) were women. Fallers and recurrent fallers comprised 14.5% and 6.0% of the participants, respectively. Blurred vision (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-3.67), minimal outdoor activities (aOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.06-4.88), and overactive thyroid/parathyroid (aOR: 3.49, 95% CI: 1.29-9.50) were associated with single falls. Frailty (aOR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.11-7.09), decreased body height (aOR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.52-6.54) and taking sedatives/hypnotics (aOR: 4.23, 95% CI: 2.06-8.67) were associated with recurrent falls. Previous falls (aOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.44-4.84 for single falls; aOR: 5.26, 95% CI: 2.61-10.60 for recurrent falls) were associated with all falls. Conclusion: Different intervention strategies should be developed for single and recurrent fallers. ? 2013 Elsevier Inc.
SDGs
Other Subjects
hypnotic agent; sedative agent; aged; article; blurred vision; body height; cognitive defect; community; fall risk; fall risk assessment; falling; female; follow up; geriatric patient; human; hypercholesterolemia; hyperparathyroidism; hyperthyroidism; major clinical study; male; medical examination; physical activity; predictor variable; priority journal; prospective study; questionnaire; risk; Taiwan; Aged; Falls; Risk factors; Accidental Falls; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Frail Elderly; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Independent Living; Male; Mild Cognitive Impairment; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Taiwan
Type
journal article