Women and stroke patients are more at risk for fall- related injury among older persons
Abstract: In Indonesia, the
prevalence of injury has increased from 7.9% in 2007 to 8.2% in 2013. Among
older persons, falls were the main cause of injury. The objective of this study
was to determine the major risk factors and the magnitude of the risk for
fall-related injury in older persons.
A study of cross-sectional design was conducted on 4,222 respondents aged
60 years and over. Injury was defined as fall-related injury occurring in the
previous 12 months that disturbed activity dailyu living (ADL). Data collection
was done by: 1) interview about sociodemographics and health (including hearing
impairment, non-communicable diseases and injury) using a questionnaire, 2)
measurement of blood pressure and anthropometry (body mass index), 3)
examination of vision in the right nd left eyes using tumbling E cards and
pinhole eye covers. Data were analyzed using the chi square test and multiple
logistic regression with 0.05 significance level.
After controlling for age, occupation, vision disorder, educational level
and economic status, older women had a 2.0-fold increased risk for fall-related
injury compared to men (aOR=2.30; 95% CI: 1.93-2.73; p=0.000); subjects with a
history of stroke had a 2.0-fold increased risk for fall-related injury compared
to those without a history of stroke (aOR=2.07; 95% CI: 1.38-3.09; p=0.000).
Educational level was a confounding factor.
Women and stroke sufferers were at higher risk of fall-related injury
among older persons. Prevention of fall-related injury should be done by older
persons through periodic control of their health condition.
Author: Sulistyowati Tuminah
Darjoko, Woro Riyadina Djoeworo, Aprildah Nur Sapardin
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160063
