Bethany A West1, Geeta Bhat2, Judy Stevens2, Gwen Bergen2. 1. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-62, Atlanta, GA, 30341USA. Electronic address: Bwest2@cdc.gov. 2. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-62, Atlanta, GA, 30341USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Examining how assistive device (cane, walker) use relates to other mobility factors can provide insight into older adults' future mobility needs. METHODS: Data come from the Second Injury Control and Risk Survey, Phase 2 (ICARIS2-P2), conducted from March 2007 to May 2008. Prevalence estimates were calculated for older adults (aged ≥65) and multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations between assistive device use and mobility-related characteristics. RESULT: Compared with non-users, assistive device users were more likely to report a recent fall (AOR 12.0; 95% CI 4.9-29.3), limit walking outside due to concerns about falling (AOR 7.1; 95% CI 2.6-19.1), be unable to walk outside for 10min without resting (AOR 3.3; 95% CI 1.1-9.3), and be no longer driving (AOR 6.7; 95% CI 2.0-22.3). CONCLUSION: Assistive device users have limited mobility and an increased risk for fall injury compared with non-users. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Effective fall prevention interventions, and innovative transportation options, are needed to protect the mobility of this high-risk group. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
INTRODUCTION: Examining how assistive device (cane, walker) use relates to other mobility factors can provide insight into older adults' future mobility needs. METHODS: Data come from the Second Injury Control and Risk Survey, Phase 2 (ICARIS2-P2), conducted from March 2007 to May 2008. Prevalence estimates were calculated for older adults (aged ≥65) and multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations between assistive device use and mobility-related characteristics. RESULT: Compared with non-users, assistive device users were more likely to report a recent fall (AOR 12.0; 95% CI 4.9-29.3), limit walking outside due to concerns about falling (AOR 7.1; 95% CI 2.6-19.1), be unable to walk outside for 10min without resting (AOR 3.3; 95% CI 1.1-9.3), and be no longer driving (AOR 6.7; 95% CI 2.0-22.3). CONCLUSION: Assistive device users have limited mobility and an increased risk for fall injury compared with non-users. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Effective fall prevention interventions, and innovative transportation options, are needed to protect the mobility of this high-risk group. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Authors: Valkiria Amaya; Thibauld Moulaert; Luc Gwiazdzinski; Nicolas Vuillerme Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-02-05 Impact factor: 3.390