Conflicting trends in fall-related injury hospitalisations among older people: variations by injury type

Abstract

It appears that while fall prevention efforts in NSW are not yet affecting the overall rate of injury hospitalisation, there has been a significant decline in the rates of some fractures. Opposing trends in the rates of other fracture admissions and a significant increase in the rate of non-fracture injuries associated with falls makes a definitive explanation for these changes difficult.

Fall-related injuries among Canadian seniors, 2005–2013: an analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey

“…As with other studies, [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] we found significantly higher rates of fall-related injuries among older women compared to older men across all survey years. Loss of bone mineral density following menopause may predispose women to a higher risk of fracture.…”

“…32,33 Of note, while the majority of these studies were restricted to injuries treated in emergency departments or that required hospitalization, our study shows time trends of self-reported fall-related injuries regardless of whether medical treatment was sought.…”

“…7 Although making direct comparisons is difficult due to differences in data sources and time periods examined, studies in other countries have shown either similar upward trends for both sexes 29,30 or a sharper increase in men than in women. [31][32][33] The reasons for the recent decline (or levelling off) that we observed among men are unclear and may be associated with changes in risk-taking behaviour and risk perception (e.g. taking extra caution when climbing ladders and paying greater attention to surroundings while walking).…”

Trends in hip fracture rates in Canada: An age-period-cohort analysis

“…(18) Moreover, a recent study observed that despite significant improvements in fall prevention, the rates of fallrelated hospitalizations among older people are still increasing. (19) In this study, between 1998 and 2009, different trends were observed according to injury type. The rates for nonfracture-related injuries increased, whereas rates for fracture injuries declined.…”

The impact of decreasing U.S. hip fracture rates on future hip fracture estimates

“…When stratified by age, this decline was significant among women aged 75 to 84 and among men and women aged 85 and older. Researchers in other countries also have reported declining hip fracture rates [7][8][9][10].…”