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Jiang L, Yang L, Hong Z, Yao X. Association between frailty status and falling in older adults with hip fracture: a cross-sectional study. Postgrad Med 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39046320 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2024.2384827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is limited research on the relationship between frailty status and falls in hip fractures in older participants. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between frailty and falls in older adults who had experienced a hip fracture. METHODS From June 2023 to January 2024, the study population comprised 253 hip fracture patients aged 60 years and over. They were admitted to the orthopedic department of a tertiary care hospital. We excluded participants with incomplete information. The 5-item FRAIL scale (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of Weight) was used to assess frailty status and the patient's self-reported falls. We analyzed the relationship between frailty and falls in older hip fracture patients using logistic regression models, subgroup analyses, and stratified analyses. RESULTS Finally, 174 older participants with hip fractures were identified in this study, where 155 (89.1%) had falls. Among 155 falls, 39 (78.0%) were in the robust group, 65 (91.5%) were in the pre-frail group, and 51 (96.2%) were in the frail group. An analysis revealed that among more than 60 years old hip fracture patients, each additional point in frailty score was significantly linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing a fall (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.10-3.52, p < 0.05). While frailty appeared as a categorical variable, this association was stronger with an OR of 2.68 (95% CI: 0.71-10.21) in the pre-frailty group and 7.95 (95% CI: 1.11-57.08), compared to the robust group (p for trend < 0.005). In subgroup analyses, an interaction was observed between frailty and falling according to sex. In stratified analyses, the relationship between frailty status and fall significantly differed between the male and female groups (male OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.71 -3.13; female OR: 7.54, 95% CI: 1.13 - 50.32, p for interaction = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS The study revealed a notable correlation between frailty and falls, with gender and frailty showing an interaction impact on the increased occurrence of falls. Therefore, further research across diverse disease populations is needed to explore the link between frailty status and falls. Large-scale prospective studies are necessary to clarify the causality of this relationship. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300073031).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Jiang
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, The Huangshan People's City Hospital, Huangshan, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, The Huangshan People's City Hospital, Huangshan, China
| | - Ziyuan Hong
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, The Huangshan People's City Hospital, Huangshan, China
| | - Xuewei Yao
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, The Huangshan People's City Hospital, Huangshan, China
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Dent E, Dalla Via J, Bozanich T, Hoogendijk EO, Gebre AK, Smith C, Zhu K, Prince RL, Lewis JR, Sim M. Frailty increases the long-term risk for fall and fracture-related hospitalizations and all-cause mortality in community-dwelling older women. J Bone Miner Res 2024; 39:222-230. [PMID: 38477757 PMCID: PMC11240159 DOI: 10.1093/jbmr/zjad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Frailty is associated with declines in physiological capacity across sensory, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems. An underlying assumption is that the frailer an individual, the more likely they are to experience falls and fractures. We examined whether grades of frailty can assess the long-term risk of hospitalized falls, fractures, and all-cause mortality in 1261 community-dwelling older women (mean age [SD] of 75.1 [2.7] yr) over 14.5 yr. Frailty was operationalized using a frailty index (FI) of cumulative deficits from 33 variables across multiple health domains (physical, mental, comorbidities) at baseline. The total score across these variables was summed and divided by 33 to obtain the FI. Participants were graded as fit (FI ≤ 0.12), mildly frail (FI > 0.12-0.24), moderately frail (FI > 0.24-0.36), or severely frail (FI > 0.36). Fall-related (n = 498), any fracture-related (n = 347), and hip fracture-related hospitalizations (n = 137) and deaths (n = 482) were obtained from linked health records. Associations between FI grades and clinical outcomes were analyzed using multivariable-adjusted Cox-proportional hazard models including age, treatment (calcium/placebo), BMI, smoking history, socioeconomic status, plasma vitamin D (25OHD) status plus season obtained, physical activity, self-reported prevalent falls in the last 3 mo, and self-reported fractures since the age of 50 yr. At baseline, 713 (56.5%), 350 (27.8%), 163 (12.9%), and 35 (2.8%) of women were classified as fit, mildly frail, moderately frail, and severely frail, respectively. Women with mild, moderate, and severe frailty had significantly higher hazards (all P < .05) for a fall-related (46%, 104%, 168%), any fracture-related (88% for moderate, 193% for severe frailty), hip fracture-related hospitalizations (93%, 127%, 129%), and all-cause mortality (47%, 126%, 242%). The FI identified community-dwelling older women at risk for the most serious falls and fractures and may be incorporated into risk assessment tools to identify individuals with poorer clinical prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Dent
- Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Jack Dalla Via
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Trent Bozanich
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Emiel O Hoogendijk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Ageing and Later Life Research Program, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Abadi K Gebre
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Cassandra Smith
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health , St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Kun Zhu
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Richard L Prince
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Joshua R Lewis
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Marc Sim
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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Teng L, Wang D, Zhou Z, Sun J, Zhu M, Wang R. Associations among frailty status, hypertension, and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Int J Nurs Sci 2024; 11:11-17. [PMID: 38352292 PMCID: PMC10859585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Frailty and hypertension often coexist in older adults, which may lead to fall risks. This study aimed to examine the relationship between frailty status, hypertension, and fall risk. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 401 older adults were conveniently recruited from communities in Wuxi, China, between September 2022 and November 2022. The fall risk self-assessment checklist from the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI) Toolkit was used to evaluate their fall risks. The FRAIL scale questionnaire was used to assess frailty status. Participants' demographic information and comorbidities were collected. Multivariate logistic regression, generalized additive model, and smooth curve fitting were used to analyze the association between frailty, hypertension, and fall risk. Results Frailty had a strong association with increased prevalence of fall risk among the participants (OR 8.52, 95% CI 3.21-22.57; P < 0.001). Hypertension significantly increased the fall risk among older adults (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.11-3.13; P = 0.019). The group with hypertension and frailty had the highest prevalence of fall risk (OR 12.24, 95% CI 3.51-42.65). Smooth curve fitting showed a nonlinear association between frailty and fall risk in hypertension status. In the progress of pre-frailty to frailty status, a higher tendency to fall was found among older adults with hypertension. Conclusions Frailty status and hypertension independently and jointly influenced the increased prevalence of fall risk. Enhanced frailty and hypertension management may help decrease fall risk among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Teng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Danhui Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Qinghai Province, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Sun
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renrong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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Takagi D, Kato M, Ozaki E, Kurita Y, Nakano W, Matsui D, Koyama T. The combination of locomotive syndrome and poor sleep quality is a risk factor of falls among community-dwelling middle-aged and older women: A cross-sectional study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23:912-918. [PMID: 37932124 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM The combination of locomotive syndrome (LS) and poor sleep quality (PQ) has not yet been shown to result in falls or to affect bone conditions in old age and middle age. [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been updated for clarity.] METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 2233 community-dwelling middle-aged to older Japanese women. LS and PSQ were assessed by the stand-up test, two-step test, the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants with both LS 1-3 (any) and a PSQI score ≥6 were classified as belonging to the LS(+)/PSQ(+) group. The incidence of falls in the previous month was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Bone conditions were evaluated using an ultrasonic bone densitometer. RESULTS The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group independently had a higher risk of falls after adjusting for confounding factors than the LS(-)/PSQ(-) group using multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.65, P < 0.05). No relationships between LS(-)/PSQ(+) and LS(+)/PSQ(-) groups and the incidences of fall were observed (P > 0.05). [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The two preceding sentences have been corrected to provide greater clarity.] The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group had lower trabecular bone density and cortical bone thickness than the LS(-)/PSQ(-) group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of LS and PSQ is an independent risk factor of falls, indicating that assessing both LS and PSQ could be useful in detecting middle-aged and older women with low bone density and thickness who fall easily at an early stage. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 912-918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Takagi
- Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Tokoha University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Michitaka Kato
- Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Tokoha University, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology for Community Health and Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Etsuko Ozaki
- Department of Epidemiology for Community Health and Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kurita
- Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Tokoha University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Wataru Nakano
- Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Tokoha University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsui
- Department of Epidemiology for Community Health and Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruhide Koyama
- Department of Epidemiology for Community Health and Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
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Kim GS, Kim N, Won CW, Shim MS, Park MK, Kim M, Lee S. Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis between Physical Frailty, Cognitive Function, and Falls by Sex. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1541-1548.e1. [PMID: 37579927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the reciprocal longitudinal relationships between physical frailty (PF), cognitive function (CF), and falls among community-dwelling older adults, according to sex. The study proposed hypotheses that present PF and CF will affect the occurrence of falls 2 years later. DESIGN Secondary data analysis using the first (T1, 2016-2017) and second (T2, 2018-2019) waves of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 2318 community-dwelling older adults aged 70-84 years in South Korea; mean (SD) age: 75.72 (3.83) years; 47.7% men. METHODS PF and CF were measured with the modified version of the Fried Frailty Phenotype and the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, respectively. The number of falls were assessed. Multigroup cross-lagged panel analysis was used. RESULTS The results showed that relationships between PF, CF, and falls were maintained over time through an autoregressive effect. PF at T1 had a statistically significant longitudinal relationship with fall experience at T2 [standardized regression coefficient (β) = 0.087, 95% CI 0.045-0.129; P < .001], and fall experience at T1 had a significant longitudinal relationship with PF at T2 (β = 0.041, 95% CI 0.006-0.076; P = .020). There was no statistically significant relationship between CF and fall experience. PF and CF had statistically significant reciprocal longitudinal relationships (all P < .001). Based on sex, there was a statistically significant longitudinal relationship between fall experience at T1 and PF at T2 for men only (β = 0.063, 95% CI 0.012-0.114; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Findings highlight that health care providers should plan fall prevention programs through early intervention for PF improvement along with improvement and maintenance of CF. Specifically, even if older men are currently healthy and have a low risk of falls, it is important to prevent future fatal PF through prior interventions, such as risk activities attention and concerns about falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang Suk Kim
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Namhee Kim
- Wonju College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang Won Won
- Elderly Frailty Research Center, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi-So Shim
- College of Nursing, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyung Park
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Miji Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, East-West Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyoon Lee
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Social Welfare Policy, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Pham T, McNeil JJ, Barker AL, Orchard SG, Newman AB, Robb C, Ernst ME, Espinoza S, Woods RL, Nelson MR, Beilin L, Hussain SM. Longitudinal association between handgrip strength, gait speed and risk of serious falls in a community-dwelling older population. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285530. [PMID: 37155689 PMCID: PMC10166501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both grip strength and gait speed can be used as markers of muscle function, however, no previous study has examined them in the same population with respect to risk of falls. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, utilising data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial and ASPREE-Fracture substudy, we analysed the association of grip strength and gait speed and serious falls in healthy older adults. Grip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer and gait speed from 3-metre timed walks. Serious falls were confined to those involving hospital presentation. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with falls. RESULTS Over an average of 4.0±1.3 years, amongst 16,445 participants, 1,533 had at least one serious fall. After adjustment for age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, Short Form 12 (state of health), chronic kidney disease, polypharmacy and aspirin, each standard deviation (SD) lower grip strength was associated with 27% (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17-1.38) higher risk of falls. The results remained the same for males and females. There was a dose-response relationship in the association between grip strength and falls risk. The higher risk of falls was observed in males in all body mass index (BMI) categories, but only in obese females. The association between gait speed and falls risk was weaker than the association between grip strength and falls risk. CONCLUSIONS All males and only obese females with low grip strength appear to be at the greatest risk of serious falls. These findings may assist in early identification of falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Pham
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John J. McNeil
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna L. Barker
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne G. Orchard
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anne B. Newman
- Center for Aging and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Catherine Robb
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael E. Ernst
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Family Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Sara Espinoza
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology & Palliative Medicine, Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Robyn L. Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark R. Nelson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lawrence Beilin
- Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Sultana Monira Hussain
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Education, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Longitudinal association between falls and motoric cognitive risk syndrome among community-dwelling older adults. Geriatr Nurs 2023; 49:1-7. [PMID: 36399977 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome is a predementia syndrome associated with dementia and mortality risk. This longitudinal study aimed to investigated the longitudinal association between MCR and falls in older adults, including 3,720 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 482 participants (13.0%) met the MCR requirements at baseline. There were 226 incident cases of MCR (13.0%) throughout follow-up (duration: 4 years). Controlling for microsystem factors, a single fall (OR: 2.412, 95 % CI: 1.100-5.290; p < .05) was associated with incident MCR at baseline and to almost 2.0 times (HR: 2.021, 95 % CI: 1.031-3.961; p < .05) more inclined to develop MCR over time, compared to those without falls. These associations remained significant when meso/ exosystem factors and macrosystem factors were included in the analytic models. Falls may be useful in predicting MCR risk in the near future among Chinese older adults.
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Association of Frailty Status with Risk of Fall among Hospitalized Elderly Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Acute Geriatric Unit. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:medicines9100048. [PMID: 36286581 PMCID: PMC9609654 DOI: 10.3390/medicines9100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The objective was to study the association of frailty status in hospitalized elderly patients with risk of fall in an acute geriatric unit and to characterize elderly “fallers” using a comprehensive gerontological assessment. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients over 65 years of age and hospitalized in an acute geriatric unit. This work was carried out in the Acute Geriatric Medicine Unit, Saint-Julien Hospital, Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen from 1 June 2016 to 15 August 2016. Results: 172 patients were included during the collection period, with a female predominance of 115 patients (66.9%). The average age of the sample was 79.37 years old (65−85). The average CHARLSON score was 6.93 (3−16). Patients came from home in 81.4% of cases (i.e., 140 patients), and from a nursing home in 18.6% of cases (i.e., 32 patients). The risk of falling, as assessed by the Monopodal Support Test, returned as abnormal for 127 patients. In our series, there was a statistically strong link between the risk of falling and the presence of a dementia pathology (p = 0.009), the presence of a vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.03), the presence of frailty, as assessed by the three scales (modified SEGA scale, Fried scale and CFS/7 (<0.001), a high comorbidity score (p = 0.04), and a disturbed autonomy assessment according to IADL (p = 1.02 × 10−5) and according to ADL (p = 6.4 × 10−8). There was a statistically strong link between the risk of falling and the occurrence of death (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The consequences of the fall in terms of morbidity and mortality and the frequency of this event with advancing age and its impact on the quality of life as well as on health expenditure justify a systematic identification of the risk of falling in the elderly population. It is therefore important to have sensitive, specific, and reproducible tools available for identifying elderly people at high risk of falling.
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