Bridget Kool1, Shanthi Ameratunga, Wayne Hazell, Alex Ng. 1. Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. b.kool@auckland.ac.nz
Abstract
AIM: This study investigates the characteristics and contexts of unintentional falls at home among young and middle-aged adults. METHOD: We conducted a population-based study of individuals aged 25-59 years resident in Auckland who were admitted to hospital or died following a non-occupational fall at home (July 2005-June 2006). Information was obtained from participant or proxy interviews, and reviews of inpatient records. RESULTS: 344 patients (including 1 death) met the study eligibility criteria representing an overall age-specific incidence rate of 54.0/100,000 (95% CI 48.6-60.1) for the 12-month period. Of the 335 cases (97.4%) interviewed, 36% fell on stairs/steps, 31% fell on the same level, 13% of falls involved ladders/scaffolding, and 11% fell from buildings/structures. Stairs or steps were involved in 43% of falls among females and 28% of falls among males. The majority of falls (81%) occurred in the individual's own home. A quarter (24%) of participants had consumed >or= 2 drinks in the 6 hours preceding the fall, and 24% were on >or= 2 prescription medications. CONCLUSION: While this study was not designed to identify the specific causes of falls, the findings reveal several important contextual factors that can be targeted to prevent fatal and serious non-fatal falls at home among this age group.
AIM: This study investigates the characteristics and contexts of unintentional falls at home among young and middle-aged adults. METHOD: We conducted a population-based study of individuals aged 25-59 years resident in Auckland who were admitted to hospital or died following a non-occupational fall at home (July 2005-June 2006). Information was obtained from participant or proxy interviews, and reviews of inpatient records. RESULTS: 344 patients (including 1 death) met the study eligibility criteria representing an overall age-specific incidence rate of 54.0/100,000 (95% CI 48.6-60.1) for the 12-month period. Of the 335 cases (97.4%) interviewed, 36% fell on stairs/steps, 31% fell on the same level, 13% of falls involved ladders/scaffolding, and 11% fell from buildings/structures. Stairs or steps were involved in 43% of falls among females and 28% of falls among males. The majority of falls (81%) occurred in the individual's own home. A quarter (24%) of participants had consumed >or= 2 drinks in the 6 hours preceding the fall, and 24% were on >or= 2 prescription medications. CONCLUSION: While this study was not designed to identify the specific causes of falls, the findings reveal several important contextual factors that can be targeted to prevent fatal and serious non-fatal falls at home among this age group.
Authors: Jason-Alexander Hörauf; Christoph Nau; Nils Mühlenfeld; René D Verboket; Ingo Marzi; Philipp Störmann Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-01-28 Impact factor: 4.241
Authors: Santosh K Verma; Joanna L Willetts; Helen L Corns; Helen R Marucci-Wellman; David A Lombardi; Theodore K Courtney Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-03-15 Impact factor: 3.240