The Relationship Between Storey of Buildings and Fall Risk

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the association between storey of building and fall risk in older adults' residences and residents' level of fear of falling.Methods: The National Health and Ageing Trends Study (NHATS) collected information that would provide an understanding of basic trends people aged 65 years and older. Using a longitudinal survey, the present study employed the first round of NHATS data that was collected in 2011. In the first round, 12,411 participants were enrolled, and 8,077 interviews were completed. The study sample sizes for falling and worry about falling are 6,153 and 6,142, respectively.Results: Unadjusted analysis revealed that storey of building was a risk factor for fall and worry about falling. There was a higher prevalence for fall and worry about falling when subjects lived in single storey of building compared with the subjects live in multi-storey. Logistic regression analysis showed no highly significant between storey of building and the fall/fear of falling.Conclusion: Several clinical factors independently were indicated pertaining to the fall and worry about falling in older adult's residences.

The risk of falls among the aging population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In older adults, falls impose major health, economic, and societal burdens ( 16 ). Falls are the leading cause of injury in the elderly population ( 36 ). A serious fall could result in decreased independence and reduced QOL ( 36 ).…”

“…Falls are the leading cause of injury in the elderly population ( 36 ). A serious fall could result in decreased independence and reduced QOL ( 36 ). Hip fracture, in particular, is a serious and devastating consequence of falling in older individuals ( 36 ).…”

“…A serious fall could result in decreased independence and reduced QOL ( 36 ). Hip fracture, in particular, is a serious and devastating consequence of falling in older individuals ( 36 ). Moreover, Makino et al reported that fall history is the most influential predictor of future falls ( 25 ).…”

Cardiovascular Disorders and Falls Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Eighty-two observational studies investigated stroke/TIA and falls. Forty-four reported a significant association: 42 positive, QA 7.0 (range 4–10) ( 32 , 37 , 43 , 54 , 57 , 59 , 62 , 64 , 66 , 72 , 73 , 76–78 , 82 , 87 , 89 , 93 , 101 , 104 , 147 , 154 , 155 , 158 , 163 , 167 , 170–172 , 176 , 183 , 192–202 ); 2 negative, QA 7, 7 ( 203 , 204 ). Thirty-seven studies reported no association: QA 7.2 (range 4–10) ( 31 , 33–35 , 38 , 39 , 41 , 51 , 52 , 56 , 60 , 61 , 65 , 67 , 69 , 71 , 80 , 81 , 83 , 85 , 88 , 90 , 95 , 106 , 107 , 112 , 126 , 129 , 164–166 , 173 , 205–209 ) ( Supplementary Table 12 ).…”

“…Thirty observational studies investigated general cardiovascular disease (unspecified) and falls. Seventeen studies reported no association: QA 7.2 (range 5–10) ( 35 , 38 , 53 , 54 , 64 , 82 , 86 , 89 , 109 , 112 , 125 , 126 , 156 , 209–212 ). Thirteen reported a positive association: QA 6.9 (range 4–8) ( 47 , 65 , 66 , 69 , 74 , 94 , 102 , 163 , 172 , 177 , 206 , 213 , 214 ) ( Supplementary Table 13 ).…”