Prevalence of Falls in Older People and Associated Factors in Qaemshahr, Iran 2019

Every year, 20-60% of older people experience a fall at least once. Falls account for 40% of all injury deaths at the age of 85 years and older. Medical costs and the need for traumatic ICU care in this population are three times higher than younger patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with falls in older people living in Qaemshahr, north of Iran 2019.

In this descriptive-analytical study, five health centers were selected by simple random sampling and 450 older people (last clients) were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, interviewing the participants, and reviewing electronic health records. The validity of the scale was confirmed by five experts. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (correlation and multiple regression) were used to analyze the data.

The participants aged 60-93 years. The prevalence of falls was 44.7% (n= 198) and 12.5% (n= 58) experienced more than one fall. The incidence of falls was significantly higher in older people with lower educational backgrounds, walking aids, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and those on medication (especially aspirin, metformin, glibenclamide, gemfibrozil) (P<0.001).

There is growing population of older people in Iran who experience dangerous complications and high costs of fall injuries, therefore, appropriate strategies are needed to prevent falls in this population.