Caroline Lukaszyk1, Lara Harvey2, Cathie Sherrington3, Lisa Keay1, Anne Tiedemann3, Julieann Coombes1, Lindy Clemson4, Rebecca Ivers1. 1. Injury Division, The George Institute for Global Health, New South Wales. 2. Falls and Injury Prevention Group, Neuroscience Research Australia, New South Wales. 3. Musculoskeletal Division, The George Institute for Global Health, New South Wales. 4. Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit, The University of Sydney, New South Wales.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk factors, incidence, consequences and existing prevention strategies for falls and fall-related injury in older indigenous people. METHODS: Relevant literature was identified through searching 14 electronic databases, a range of institutional websites, online search engines and government databases, using search terms pertaining to indigenous status, injury and ageing. RESULTS: Thirteen studies from Australia, the United States, Central America and Canada were identified. Few studies reported on fall rates but two reported that around 30% of indigenous people aged 45 years and above experienced at least one fall during the past year. The most common hospitalised fall injuries among older indigenous people were hip fracture and head injury. Risk factors significantly associated with falls within indigenous populations included poor mobility, a history of stroke, epilepsy, head injury, poor hearing and urinary incontinence. No formally evaluated, indigenous-specific fall prevention interventions were identified. CONCLUSION: Falls are a significant and growing health issue for older indigenous people worldwide that can lead to severe health consequences and even death. No fully-evaluated, indigenous-specific fall prevention programs were identified. Implications for Public Health: Research into fall patterns and fall-related injury among indigenous people is necessary for the development of appropriate fall prevention interventions.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk factors, incidence, consequences and existing prevention strategies for falls and fall-related injury in older indigenous people. METHODS: Relevant literature was identified through searching 14 electronic databases, a range of institutional websites, online search engines and government databases, using search terms pertaining to indigenous status, injury and ageing. RESULTS: Thirteen studies from Australia, the United States, Central America and Canada were identified. Few studies reported on fall rates but two reported that around 30% of indigenous people aged 45 years and above experienced at least one fall during the past year. The most common hospitalised fall injuries among older indigenous people were hip fracture and head injury. Risk factors significantly associated with falls within indigenous populations included poor mobility, a history of stroke, epilepsy, head injury, poor hearing and urinary incontinence. No formally evaluated, indigenous-specific fall prevention interventions were identified. CONCLUSION: Falls are a significant and growing health issue for older indigenous people worldwide that can lead to severe health consequences and even death. No fully-evaluated, indigenous-specific fall prevention programs were identified. Implications for Public Health: Research into fall patterns and fall-related injury among indigenous people is necessary for the development of appropriate fall prevention interventions.
Authors: Caroline Lukaszyk; Julieann Coombes; Norma Jean Turner; Elizabeth Hillmann; Lisa Keay; Anne Tiedemann; Cathie Sherrington; Rebecca Ivers Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2017-08-01 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Danielle E Levitt; Alice Y Yeh; Matthew J Prendergast; Ronald G Budnar Jr; Katherine A Adler; Garth Cook; Patricia E Molina; Liz Simon Journal: Biomolecules Date: 2020-03-12