Nalini K Tripathy1, Jagnoor Jagnoor2, Binod K Patro1, Mandeep S Dhillon3, Rajesh Kumar4. 1. Department of Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. 2. George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, Australia. 3. Department of Orthopaedics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. 4. Department of Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. Electronic address: dr.rajeshkumar@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fall is an important cause of injury morbidity in older adults. However, epidemiological information on fall is limited in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the extent, pattern, characteristics, and context of falls in Chandigarh. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 300 persons (≥60 years), sampled from urban, rural and slums areas of Chandigarh, India from March 2011 to October 2012 using multistage cluster sampling. A pre-tested interview schedule was used and relevant medical examinations were conducted. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to estimate Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: In the past one year, 31% (92/300) respondents reported one or more falls. On an average 0.67 fall episodes occurred/person/year (202/300). Most (68%; 63/92) falls occurred at home; 75% (47/63) occurred while carrying out activities such as toileting, bathing, sleeping and eating etc. Injuries due to falls were reported by 67% (62/92). In these cases, lower extremities, 37% (23/62) were the most common site of injury. Eight percent (5/62) reported fractures. A general physician was consulted by 44% (27/62), and 11% (7/62) utilized emergency services whilst another 11% (7/62) of fall injuries required hospital admission. Risk of fall was higher among females (OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.0-2.8, p 0.068), those taking four or more medicines (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.2-3.5, p 0.009) and having poor body balance (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.0-3.4, p 0.037). CONCLUSION: Fall injuries were common in older adults of Chandigarh. Large cohort studies are needed to identify risk factors particularly those related to home environment.
BACKGROUND: Fall is an important cause of injury morbidity in older adults. However, epidemiological information on fall is limited in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the extent, pattern, characteristics, and context of falls in Chandigarh. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 300 persons (≥60 years), sampled from urban, rural and slums areas of Chandigarh, India from March 2011 to October 2012 using multistage cluster sampling. A pre-tested interview schedule was used and relevant medical examinations were conducted. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to estimate Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: In the past one year, 31% (92/300) respondents reported one or more falls. On an average 0.67 fall episodes occurred/person/year (202/300). Most (68%; 63/92) falls occurred at home; 75% (47/63) occurred while carrying out activities such as toileting, bathing, sleeping and eating etc. Injuries due to falls were reported by 67% (62/92). In these cases, lower extremities, 37% (23/62) were the most common site of injury. Eight percent (5/62) reported fractures. A general physician was consulted by 44% (27/62), and 11% (7/62) utilized emergency services whilst another 11% (7/62) of fall injuries required hospital admission. Risk of fall was higher among females (OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.0-2.8, p 0.068), those taking four or more medicines (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.2-3.5, p 0.009) and having poor body balance (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.0-3.4, p 0.037). CONCLUSION:Fall injuries were common in older adults of Chandigarh. Large cohort studies are needed to identify risk factors particularly those related to home environment.
Authors: Beatrice Pettersson; Saranda Bajraktari; Dawn A Skelton; Magnus Zingmark; Erik Rosendahl; Lillemor Lundin-Olsson; Marlene Sandlund Journal: Digit Health Date: 2022-09-15
Authors: Hyeji Lee; Sun Hyu Kim; Sang Cheal Lee; Sunpyo Kim; Gyu Chong Cho; Min Joung Kim; Ji Sook Lee; Chul Han Journal: J Korean Med Sci Date: 2018-07-05 Impact factor: 2.153