The risk factors of falls in the elderly

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Falls in the elderly can lead to disability, hospitalizations, and premature death. Even if the fall does not cause significant injury, it may lead to fear of falling, loss of self confidence and restriction of ambulation. Thus, we conducted this study to examine the risk factors of falls in the elderly. METHODS: The study population consisted of 70 persons, older than 65 years. Subjocts were subdivided into 3 groups according to their experience of falls, during the past 2 year period. Among them, 30 persons had no previous experience, 20 had one fall, and 20 more than one fall. Age, past history, situations surrounding falls, MMSE K, GDS short form, ADL, IADL, Mini Nutritional assessment (MNA) were reviewed, and the Get up and go test, evaluation of orthostic hypotension and hearing were done. T-test, chi square, ANOVA, logistic regression test using the SAS program was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 75.4 years with 62.9% malas. The factors associated with falling were age (P=0.01), scores of MNA (P=0.04), Get up and go test (P=0.004), past history (P=0.01), MMSE K (P=0.02), GDS short form (P=0.001), ADL (P=0.003) and IADL (P=0.002). Those in the group who fell once occured mostly while doing a riskful task, while those who fell more than once happened mostly during positional change (p<0.0001). Independent predictors of falls were get up and go test results and GDS short form scores. CONCLUSION: The independent predictors of falls were Get up and go test results and Geriatric Depression Scale scores.