Falls amongst elderly attending the outpatient’s clinic in the Geriatric medicine, in Ain Shams University Hospitals: Prevalence and risk factors.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Geriatrics and Gerontology department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Studies showed that falls among the elderly are among the most serious public health problems in this era due to the considerable increase in fall-related morbidity and mortality in the ageing population. Therefore, this study investigates and documents the current prevalence and detection of fall risk factors among elderly outpatients.
Aim of the Work: Is to assess the prevalence of falls and detect the risk factors among elderly patients attending the Geriatrics outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional quantitative research study that was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals. It included all elderly patients presented to the Geriatrics outpatient clinic (OPC). Patients included in this study underwent Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), fall risk assessment scale, home fall prevention checklist for older adults, timed up and go test 30-second Chair stand and 4-stage Balance Test.
Results: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the most important factors predicting falls were; Fall Risk Assessment score >5 and Home Environmental safety score ≥4, followed by use of assistive device, neurologic disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, anaemia, poor vision, polypharmacy, depression, neuromotor disorders, stroke, low body mass index, environmental obstacles, inappropriate clothing, poor scores in ADL, IADL, TUGT, 30 Second chair stand test, 4 Stage Balance test.
Conclusion: Age, high number of medications, multiple comorbidities and gait or balance disorders are independent risk factors for falls.

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