Fall Risk Factors in Mid-Age Women: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health

Introduction In contrast to older adults, little is known about risk factors for falls in adults aged 50–64 years, despite a high prevalence of falls in this age group. The aim was to identify risk factors for falls in mid-age women and explore how associations change with age. Methods Data were analyzed in 2016 from women aged 50–55 years in 2001 (born 1946–1951) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. The predictor variables were health-related factors (measured 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010) and the outcome was falls in the past 12 months (measured 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013). Prospective associations between predictor variables and falls measured 3 years later were analyzed using logistic regression with complete data for 4,629, 7,096, 5,911, and 5,774 participants. Results In surveys, 20.5% (2004), 30.7% (2007), 30.5% (2010), and 26.6% (2013) of women reported a fall in the previous 12 months. In the univariable models, most factors were associated with falls 3 years later. In the multivariable models, higher odds of falling were found for overweight and obese women compared with healthy weight women at all survey intervals (OR range, 1.15–1.43). Impaired vision (OR range, 1.25–1.35) and poor physical functioning (OR range, 1.24–1.66) were associated with falls at three survey intervals. Depression (OR range, 1.31–1.42), leaking urine (OR range, 1.25–1.49), stiff/painful joints (OR range, 1.26–1.62), severe tiredness (OR range, 1.29–1.49), osteoporosis (OR range, 1.25–1.52), and hormone replacement therapy (OR range, 0.69–0.79) were associated with falls at two survey intervals. There was no obvious age-related increase or decrease in the number of statistically significant associations. Conclusions Identified fall risk factors varied over time, highlighting that falling involves a complex interplay of risk factors in mid-age women