Risk of falls in 4 years of follow-up among Chinese adults with diabetes: findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study was to determine the incidence of falls and identify baseline factors increased risk for incident falls over time among people with diabetes.DesignThis study was a secondary analysis using the baseline and 4 years of follow-up data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).SettingA nationally representative survey of 17 500 Chinese residents aged 45 years and older were recruited in the baseline national survey in 2011. These participants were followed up every 2 years.ParticipantsA total of 1238 middle-aged and older adults with diabetes and no history of falls at baseline were included in the current study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresInformation on incidence of falls and medical treatment resulting from falls were determined by self-report.ResultsThe findings showed that the incidence of falls was 29.4% during 4 years of follow-up. Participants with incident falls were younger, were more likely to be women, had lower education level and were less likely to be current drinkers. In addition, former drinkers were 2.22 times more likely to fall. Socially active individuals were 47% less likely to fall compared with those without social activities. Every 5 kg increase in grip strength was associated with a 13% lower risk of falls. A 10 mg/dL higher total cholesterol and 1 mg/dL higher blood urea nitrogen were associated with a 4% and 6% higher risk of falls. Finally, participants with depressive symptoms were 1.47 times more likely to fall compared with those without depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the importance of developing a fall prevention programme for those with diabetes, and this programme should address potentially modifiable risk factors, including levels of total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, social activity, depressive symptoms and grip strength.

History of Falls, Dementia, Lower Education Levels, Mobility Limitations, and Aging Are Risk Factors for Falls among the Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Cohort Study

“…In addition to daily activities, social activity can also improve physical and mental health and reduce the risk of falls [30,31]. We included participants from community centers, community colleges, and local dementia community centers.…”

“…They were all socially active, but those with lower education levels had a higher number of falls in our study within the socially active population. A previous 4-year cohort study of a population aged 45 years and over also found that participants with fall incidents had lower education levels [30]. Elderly people with lower education levels may have difficulty grasping fallprevention information [32]; therefore, a fall-prevention program is warranted in this group of people.…”

Mediation of pain in the association of sleep problems with falls among older adults in India

“…Studies also have showed a lower socioeconomic status to be a major risk factor for falls 7 . Health-related factors such as functional limitations, weak handgrip strength, chronic diseases such as diabetes or bone and joint diseases are also associated with a higher prevalence of falls [8][9][10] . Similarly, sleep problems are a major risk factor for falls.…”

Association Between Sensory Loss and Falls Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Population: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses

“…Date for falls and frequency of falls was unavailable as well. Although this method has been used in previous studies (49)(50)(51)(52)(53), possible misclassification of sensory loss status or inaccurate reports may lead to bias. Also, the causal effects of sensory loss on falls could not be reached according to the present study.…”