Factors associated with history of fall among older people in Southern West Bank

Abstract

Objective. Older men and women have higher risk of fall due to various factors. Among Palestinian older adults fall history yet to be studied in terms of prevalence and correlates. The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of fall and the differences between fallers and non-fallers among a group of Palestinian older living in rural areas in Southern West Bank region of Hebron. Methods. The study included 142 participants from two villages: Se'ar and Bani Na'em, Hebron governance. Demographic variables and fall history was collected. Anthropometric measurement were used to assess nutritional status; physical function was assessed. Geriatric scale for depression and Montreal cognitive assessment test. Results. 51.7% of study participants were females, the mean age 69.5 ± 5.7 years old. Positive fall history was present among 11.7% mostly females. Significant relationship was found between fall and larger waist and hip circumference, cognitive impairment, higher level of dependency and slower performance in time up and go (TUG) p < 0.05. Conclusions. Fall history has considerable prevalence among the study sample and it is correlated with nutritional status, cognitive and physical function.