Prevalence and Risk Factors of Falls among Egyptian Elderly Attending Primary Health Centers in Suez Governorate

Abstract

Objectives To estimate the prevalence and probable risk factors of falls among a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Suez Governorate, Egypt.

Design A cross-sectional comparative study.

Setting and Participants Study included 300 older adults (both men and women) recruited from 3 primary healthcare centers, all located in Suez Governorate, Egypt (Alsalam medical center, Mubarak medical center and Alsabbah medical center).

Methods All participants were questioned about their fall history in the precedent year and were assessed using: Structured interview questionnaire and physical examination, Fall Risk Assessment Tool, Basic and instrumental activities of daily living, Timed Up and Go test, Single leg stance test, handgrip strength measurement, Mini-Mental Status Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Participants were categorized as faller and non-faller groups according to their fall history in the precedent year and were then compared as regard common fall risk factors (intrinsic and extrinsic).

Results Prevalence of falls among the studied populations was 29%. Women fell more frequently than men (accounting for 64.4% and 35.6% of fallers, p = 0.01). Most falls occurred indoors (58.3%). A significant association was found between fall history and age, sex, muscle weakness, depression, urinary incontinence, IHD, visual impairment, fear of falling, use of assistive device, postural hypotension, and polypharmacy.

Conclusion Prevalence of falls in community-dwelling elderly in Suez Governorate is 29%. Identification of factors significantly affecting elderly falls can help in planning public health policies and programs for prevention of falls.