Association between Sarcopenia and Risk of Fall in Elderly Patients in Outpatients Clinics

Abstract

Background: Older people are more susceptible for fall. Fall is one of the most common geriatric syndromes that affects the quality of life of the elderly persons. It is the leading cause of severe injuries, as hip fractures in older population. Such injuries can result in “disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, poor quality of life, and in severe cases, death. Falls result from mix of biological, medical, behavioral or environmental risk factors. This study aimed to assess risk of falls in older people at outpatient clinics. Methods: A cross sectional study, 120 older adults were collected from outpatient clinics of Ain Shams Hospital. Geriatrics assessment was accomplished and fall risk assessment was completed using Morse fall scale (MFS) and timed up and go test (TUGT). Results: The risk of falls was 41.67% and assessed by Morse Fall Scale among patients visiting geriatrics outpatient clinics. Older age, cognitive decline, functional dependency, and use of antipsychotic were significant predictors of increased fall risk among elderly attending outpatient clinics. Conclusion: We concluded that increased risk of falls in older adults attended outpatient clinics is multifactorial.