| Abstrakt: |
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and probable risk factors of falls among a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Design: A cross-sectional comparative study. Setting and Participants: Study included 300 older adults (both men and women) recruited from 3 primary healthcare centers, all located in Suez Governorate, Egypt (Alsalam medical center, Mubarak medical center and Alsabbah medical center). Methods: All participants were questioned about their fall history in the precedent year and were assessed using: Structured interview questionnaire and physical examination, Fall Risk Assessment Tool, Basic and instrumental activities of daily living, Timed Up and Go test, Single leg stance test, handgrip strength measurement, Mini-Mental Status Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Participants were categorized as faller and non-faller groups according to their fall history in the precedent year and were then compared as regard common fall risk factors (intrinsic and extrinsic). Results: Prevalence of falls among the studied populations was 29%. Women fell more frequently than men (accounting for 64.4% and 35.6% of fallers, p = 0.01). Most falls occurred indoors (58.3%). A significant association was found between fall history and age, sex, muscle weakness, depression, urinary incontinence, IHD, visual impairment, fear of falling, use of assistive device, postural hypotension, and polypharmacy. Conclusion: Prevalence of falls in community-dwelling elderly in Suez Governorate is 29%. Identification of factors significantly affecting elderly falls can help in planning public health policies and programs for prevention of falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
