Prevalence of Falls and Associated Factors in Elderly Population

INTRODUCTION: Fall is an important clinical marker of frailty, as evidenced by its association with other functional problems, such as incontinence, and high mortality rate. Usually falls in elderly are multifactorial in origin, resulting from an interaction between impaired stability and hazards and demand of the environment. Falls are major focus of geriatric medicine because they are common among elderly and have complex interacting causes, serious consequences and require multiple disciplines for effective management. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Falls and associated factors in elderly population. METHODOLOGY: This study includes 200 elderly patients attending geriatric outpatient department in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai. Patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant history like h/o falls, polypharmacy, associated comorbid conditions were obtained. Cardiovascular, Neurological and Musculoskeletal examinations, vision and hearing screening was done. To assess balance and to test lower limb muscle strength, Fall risk assessment tools like TUG,4 Stage Balance Test, 30 Second Chair Stand Test were done. RESULTS: Prevalence of falls in elderly attending outpatient department is 34.5%, out of which males contribute 44% and females 55%. Extrinsic causes for falls – 42% and intrinsic cause-57%. Major risk factors for falls- visual impairment- 33%; arthritis-50%; age>80- 8.5%; polypharmacy- 36.5%; slow gait speed-18%. CONCLUSION: Falls in elderly are multifactorial in origin. Prevalence of falls in elderly ≥ 65 years attending outpatient department in tertiary care hospital is 34.5%. Prevalence of falls is increased in females when compared to males. Visual impairment, lower limb arthritis, incontinence, depression, age >80, polypharmacy are important risk factors for fall. Impaired balance, decreased gait speed , decreased lower limb muscle strength are important predictors of falls in elderly. Increase in number of risk factors increases fall risk in elderly