BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of falls according to socio-demographic and health factors, and to determine their physical, psychological and social consequences. SUBJETS AND METHOD: Population-based prospective study, which included a representative cohort of 448 elderly community-dwellers, aged 65 or more living in the city of Mataró (Spain). We made a baseline evaluation, which was repeated after a one-year follow up, consisting of a standardized questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity, tests of physical and cognitive function, history of falls during the previous year, the Falls Efficacy Scale, and associated chronic conditions. Follow-up interviews at intervals of one month over 12 months, consisting of a standardized questionnaire aimed at detecting and describing any fall occurred during the previous month. RESULTS: 25.1% (95% CI, 18.8-31.4) of males and 37.0% (95% CI, 31.2-42.8) of females fell. Multiple falls were observed in 3.8% of men and 10.9% of women. 203 falls were reported, providing a crude incidence rate of 30.9 falls per 100 men-years (95% CI, 23.3-41.0) and 56.5 falls per 100 women-years (95% CI, 46.5-68.8). A positive association with falls was found with age, reduced physical and cognitive function, associated chronic conditions and previous falls. 71.1% of falls had physical consequences, with 7.7% of fractures, and 21.7% needed medical aid. 64.4% of fallers feared of falling again. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a pattern of high incidence of falls among the elderly living in the Spanish non-institutionalized community. Our data confirm that adverse consequences derived from the falls are frequent and often severe, which makes falls one of the major problems of elderly people.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of falls according to socio-demographic and health factors, and to determine their physical, psychological and social consequences. SUBJETS AND METHOD: Population-based prospective study, which included a representative cohort of 448 elderly community-dwellers, aged 65 or more living in the city of Mataró (Spain). We made a baseline evaluation, which was repeated after a one-year follow up, consisting of a standardized questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity, tests of physical and cognitive function, history of falls during the previous year, the Falls Efficacy Scale, and associated chronic conditions. Follow-up interviews at intervals of one month over 12 months, consisting of a standardized questionnaire aimed at detecting and describing any fall occurred during the previous month. RESULTS: 25.1% (95% CI, 18.8-31.4) of males and 37.0% (95% CI, 31.2-42.8) of females fell. Multiple falls were observed in 3.8% of men and 10.9% of women. 203 falls were reported, providing a crude incidence rate of 30.9 falls per 100 men-years (95% CI, 23.3-41.0) and 56.5 falls per 100 women-years (95% CI, 46.5-68.8). A positive association with falls was found with age, reduced physical and cognitive function, associated chronic conditions and previous falls. 71.1% of falls had physical consequences, with 7.7% of fractures, and 21.7% needed medical aid. 64.4% of fallers feared of falling again. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a pattern of high incidence of falls among the elderly living in the Spanish non-institutionalized community. Our data confirm that adverse consequences derived from the falls are frequent and often severe, which makes falls one of the major problems of elderly people.
Authors: F Formiga; A Lopez-Soto; E Duaso; D Chivite; D Ruiz; J M Perez-Castejon; M Navarro; R Pujol Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2008-11 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Eun Joo Kim; Doo Young Kim; Wan Ho Kim; Kwang Lae Lee; Yong Hoon Yoon; Jeong Mi Park; Jung In Shin; Seong Kyu Kim; Dong Goo Kim Journal: Ann Rehabil Med Date: 2012-12-28
Authors: Vanessa L Kronzer; Rose D Tang; Allison P Schelble; Arbi Ben Abdallah; Troy S Wildes; Sherry L McKinnon; Furqaan Sadiq; Nan Lin; Daniel L Helsten; Anshuman Sharma; Susan L Stark; Michael S Avidan Journal: Anesthesiology Date: 2016-08 Impact factor: 7.892