Risk factors for falls among older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in urban and regional communities

Abstract

Falls were experienced by one-quarter of study participants. Fall risk factors identified for older Aboriginal people appear to be similar to those identified in the general population. Understanding of fall risk factors may assist with the development of appropriate and effective community-led fall prevention programs.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Injurious Falls among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Indonesia

“…In agreement with previous evidence [ 4 , 11 – 13 , 16 , 20 , 21 ], this study found a dose-response relationship between the number of chronic conditions, functional disabilities, and fall-related injury. Having an increasing number of chronic conditions may negatively impact on one's mobility contributing to a higher fall risk.…”

“…Health status risk factors for fall-related injuries among older adults may include nutritional risk [ 16 ], multimorbidity [ 4 , 12 , 13 , 16 ] (including specific chronic conditions such as hypertension [ 5 ], stroke [ 14 , 17 , 18 ], and diabetes [ 18 ]), low hand grip strength [ 19 ], and poor cognitive functioning [ 4 , 14 ]. Other health risk factors include functional disability, such as limitations of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) [ 4 , 11 , 20 , 21 ], gait problems [ 22 ], inadequate standing balance [ 13 ], visual difficulties [ 14 , 18 ], having cataracts [ 12 ], hearing problems [ 23 , 24 ], urinary incontinence [ 13 , 14 , 18 ], and depression [ 4 , 13 ]. Health risk behaviour variables associated with an increased risk of fall injuries may include physical inactivity [ 5 , 14 , 18 , 24 , 25 ], alcohol use [ 15 , 25 ], cigarette smoking [ 26 ], obesity [ 12 , 27 ], and sleeping problems [ 4 , 28 ].…”

Falls, fear of falling and related factors in community‐dwelling individuals aged 80 and over in Turkey

“…Previous studies have shown that chronic diseases are clearly risk factors for falls and fear of falling. 13,18,20,21 While balance was a risk factor for falls and FOF, functional status related to daily activities was found to be not significant in the multivariate analysis. Other studies have shown functional status to be a risk factor regardless of balance.…”

“…Most previous studies have examined the falls in those aged over 60 or 65. Community‐based studies of individuals aged 60 or over have found fall frequencies ranging from 11.3% to 44.5% . According to the WHO Global Report, 28%‐35% of people aged 65 and over fall each year, and this rate increases to 32%‐42% for those over 70 years of age .…”

“…Community-based studies of individuals aged 60 or over have found fall frequencies ranging from 11.3% to 44.5%. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] According to the WHO Global Report, 28%-35% of people aged 65 and over fall each year, and this rate increases to 32%-42% for those over 70 years of age. 1 The fall frequency of individuals aged 65 or over has been found to range from 21.2% to 39.7% in different regions of the world.…”