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Zhao C, Wang T, Yu D, Li W. Physical exercise habits are related with reduced prevalence of falling among elderly women in China. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:653. [PMID: 38066469 PMCID: PMC10704620 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although some studies have examined the association between exercise and falls, most have focused on specific exercises, and the results have been inconsistent. In addition, there is a lack of evidence on elderly Chinese women who have different living and exercise habits compared to those in other countries. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether physical exercise is associated with falls in elderly Chinese women. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 1429 elderly Chinese women with a mean age of 69.2 years. Information on physical exercise habits and fall experiences was collected using a self-report questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between physical exercise habits and falls. RESULTS The results showed that 15% participants had a fall in the past year. After adjusting for confounding factors, the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for fall experiences across categories of exercise frequency were as follow: 1 (reference) for no exercise behavior, 0.50 (0.29, 0.85) for exercise 1 to 5 times a week, and 0.37 (0.25, 0.55) for exercise more than 6 times a week. Furthermore, the ORs (95% CIs) across categories of exercise insistence were 1 (reference) for less than 1 year, 0.78 (0.37, 1.65) for 1 to 3 years, and 0.38 (0.20, 0.74) for more than 3 years. In terms of exercise duration, the ORs (95% CIs) for < 1 h/day, 1-2 h/day, and > 2 h/day were 1 (reference), 0.85 (0.53, 1.36), and 2.80 (1.30, 6.05). Unlike other variables, longer exercise duration was associated unfavorably with falls. CONCLUSION Physical exercise habits were associated with falls in elderly Chinese women. Keeping a proper exercise habit may contribute to lower risk of falling in elderly women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiqing Zhao
- Division of Physical Education, Myongji University, Seoul, 03674, South Korea.
| | - Tongling Wang
- Institute of Physical Education, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dawei Yu
- Institute of Physical Education, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Li
- Department of Physical Education, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, Jiangsu Province, 223003, People's Republic of China
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2
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Alanazi A, Salih S. Fall Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among the Elderly Population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study 2023. Cureus 2023; 15:e45317. [PMID: 37846272 PMCID: PMC10577021 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Falls are common among older adults, and they constitute a major public health issue with high morbidity and mortality. Aim This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of falls and investigate the contributing risk factors among the elderly population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited a random representative sample of the elderly aged ≥ 60 years. We collected data by interviewing the participants using a structured, Arabic-language questionnaire. It included personal information, a history of falls in the past three and 12 months, comorbidities, and environmental factors. The main outcome was a history of falls in the preceding year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between potential risk factors and falls. Results The study included 296 participants. Most participants were female (66.9%), aged 60-69 years (68.2%), and married (68.9%). The self-reported prevalence of falls over the preceding 12 months was 25.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20.6-30.5). Older people with depressive symptoms had significantly increased vulnerability to falls (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.452, 95% CI: 0.239-0.854). Environmental factors were associated with a 1.799 times (95% CI: 1.041-3.109) increased likelihood of fall, and gait impairment was the strongest risk factor (AOR: 2.775, 95% CI: 1.558-4.942). Conclusions Falls are common among the elderly population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Gait impairment, the presence of depressive symptoms, and environmental hazards were substantially associated with falls, suggesting that most falls are preventable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallalh Alanazi
- Preventive Medicine Department, Public Health Administration, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Safa Salih
- Preventive Medicine Department, Public Health Administration, Tabuk, SAU
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3
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Latt NKZ, Calvert P, Lip GYH. Balancing the risk of stroke and bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients with a history of falls. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2023; 22:1041-1048. [PMID: 37860853 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2273333] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and can lead to serious consequences such as ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism. The risk of thromboembolism can be reduced by anticoagulation, however many patients with high falls risk do not receive oral anticoagulation. AREAS COVERED In this narrative literature review, performed with searches of the PubMed database, we discuss the factors predisposing AF patients to falls, ways to optimize bleeding risk with individualized assessment, and clarify misconceptions around falls risk and anticoagulation therapy. EXPERT OPINION In general, the advantages of stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation outweigh the risk of bleeding resulting from falls, especially with the increasing use of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants, which are associated with fewer intracranial hemorrhages and thromboembolic complications than vitamin K anticoagulants. Most studies in this field are observational and randomized controlled studies would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nang Khaing Zar Latt
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Calvert
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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An SJ, Ngwira N, Davis D, Gallaher J, Charles A. Fall-Related Injuries in Malawi: Outcomes and Trends Over Time. World J Surg 2023; 47:1411-1418. [PMID: 36806561 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-06946-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fall-related injury (FRI) is a leading cause of injuries worldwide. Data on injury patterns and trends over time are lacking in resource-limited settings. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of FRI at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi from 2009 to 2021. Outcomes were compared between patients presenting with FRI and those with other injury mechanisms. Bivariate and multivariate regressions were used to determine predictors of presentation following falls and mortality. We also analyzed time trends. RESULTS A total of 166,047 patients were included, of which 41,695 were patients presenting after falls (25.7%). Most FRI patients were between 5 and 45 (67.2%) and male (66.9%). Most falls occurred at home (67.3%) and resulted in extremity injuries (51.6%). The predicted probability of hospital presentation after falling is highest for children ≤ 5 years and adults > 60 years and decreases over time. On multivariate analysis, patients between 5 and 15 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63-1.77] and > 60 (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.22) and women (AOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10-1.16) are more likely to present with FRI. Compared to patients with non-FRI, those with FRI were more likely to have been injured at school (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 2.01-2.32) and during sports and recreation (AOR 4.53, 95% CI 4.24-4.85). CONCLUSION FRI is the most common injury presentation after motor vehicle injury in this low-resource setting. This study provides essential information about FRI in Malawi over time. Our findings can help inform resource allocation and injury prevention initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena J An
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4001 Burnett Womack Building, CB 7050, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Natasha Ngwira
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Private Bag 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Dylane Davis
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1001 Bondurant Hall, CB 9535, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jared Gallaher
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4001 Burnett Womack Building, CB 7050, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Anthony Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4001 Burnett Womack Building, CB 7050, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Private Bag 149, Lilongwe, Malawi.
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Berheto TM, Sengoelge M, Tadesse S, Workie SB, Tessema G, Memirie ST, Mohammed S, Getnet F, Walker A, Naghavi M, Misganaw A. Neglected burden of injuries in Ethiopia, from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis of the global burden of diseases study 2019. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1149966. [PMID: 37333551 PMCID: PMC10274142 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1149966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals has given injury prevention new attention, including halving road traffic injuries. This study compiled the best available evidence on injury from the global burden of diseases study for Ethiopia from 1990 to 2019. Methods Injury data on incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years lost, years lived with disability, and years of life lost were extracted from the 2019 global burden of diseases study for regions and chartered cities in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2019. Rates were estimated per 100,000 population. Results In 2019, the age-standardized rate of incidence was 7,118 (95% UI: 6,621-7,678), prevalence was 21,735 (95% UI: 19,251-26,302), death was 72 (95% UI: 61-83), disability-adjusted life years lost was 3,265 (95% UI: 2,826-3,783), years of live lost was 2,417 (95% UI: 2,043-2,860), and years lived with disability was 848 [95% UI: (620-1,153)]. Since 1990, there has been a reduction in the age-standardized rate of incidence by 76% (95% UI: 74-78), death by 70% (95% UI: 65-75), and prevalence by 13% (95% UI: 3-18), with noticeable inter-regional variations. Transport injuries, conflict and terrorism, interpersonal violence, self-harm, falls, poisoning, and exposure to mechanical forces were the leading causes of injury-related deaths and long-term disabilities. Since 1990, there has been a decline in the prevalence of transport injuries by 32% (95% UI: 31-33), exposure to mechanical forces by 12% (95% UI: 10-14), and interpersonal violence by 7.4% (95% UI: 5-10). However, there was an increment in falls by 8.4% (95% UI: 7-11) and conflict and terrorism by 1.5% (95% UI: 38-27). Conclusion Even though the burden of injuries has steadily decreased at national and sub-national levels in Ethiopia over the past 30 years, it still remains to be an area of public health priority. Therefore, injury prevention and control strategies should consider regional disparities in the burden of injuries, promoting transportation safety, developing democratic culture and negotiation skills to solve disputes, using early security-interventions when conflict arises, ensuring workplace safety and improving psychological wellbeing of citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tezera Moshago Berheto
- National Data Management and Analytics Center for Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mathilde Sengoelge
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebsibe Tadesse
- National Data Management and Analytics Center for Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Shimelash Bitew Workie
- National Data Management and Analytics Center for Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Tessema
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Shikur Mohammed
- National Data Management and Analytics Center for Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fentabil Getnet
- National Data Management and Analytics Center for Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ally Walker
- Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mohsen Naghavi
- Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Awoke Misganaw
- Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Lathouwers E, Dillen A, Díaz MA, Tassignon B, Verschueren J, Verté D, De Witte N, De Pauw K. Characterizing fall risk factors in Belgian older adults through machine learning: a data-driven approach. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2210. [PMID: 36443808 PMCID: PMC9707258 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14694-5] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls are a major problem associated with ageing. Yet, fall-risk classification models identifying older adults at risk are lacking. Current screening tools show limited predictive validity to differentiate between a low- and high-risk of falling. OBJECTIVE This study aims at identifying risk factors associated with higher risk of falling by means of a quality-of-life questionnaire incorporating biological, behavioural, environmental and socio-economic factors. These insights can aid the development of a fall-risk classification algorithm identifying community-dwelling older adults at risk of falling. METHODS The questionnaire was developed by the Belgian Ageing Studies research group of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and administered to 82,580 older adults for a detailed analysis of risk factors linked to the fall incidence data. Based on previously known risk factors, 139 questions were selected from the questionnaire to include in this study. Included questions were encoded, missing values were dropped, and multicollinearity was assessed. A random forest classifier that learns to predict falls was trained to investigate the importance of each individual feature. RESULTS Twenty-four questions were included in the classification-model. Based on the output of the model all factors were associated with the risk of falling of which two were biological risk factors, eight behavioural, 11 socioeconomic and three environmental risk factors. Each of these variables contributed between 4.5 and 6.5% to explaining the risk of falling. CONCLUSION The present study identified 24 fall risk factors using machine learning techniques to identify older adults at high risk of falling. Maintaining a mental, physical and socially active lifestyle, reducing vulnerability and feeling satisfied with the living situation contributes to reducing the risk of falling. Further research is warranted to establish an easy-to-use screening tool to be applied in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Lathouwers
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arnau Dillen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - María Alejandra Díaz
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Tassignon
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo Verschueren
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Verté
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nico De Witte
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Gerontology and Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) research department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. .,Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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A qualitative investigation exploring neighbourhood environment, risks and fear of falling, and fall prevention strategies among urban-dwelling older adults in a high-density city. AGEING & SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x22001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Falls in older adulthood can have serious consequences. It is therefore important to identify ways to prevent falls, particularly from the voice of older adults. Bottom-up qualitative exploration of the perspectives of older adults can provide rich insights that can help inform the development of effective fall prevention programmes. However, currently there is a dearth of such empirical data, especially among urban-dwelling older adults in high-density cities where fall rates are high. The current study aimed to examine qualitatively perceptions of neighbourhood physical environment in relation to falls, perceived risks and fear of falling, and strategies and behaviours for fall prevention in a sample of urban-dwelling older adults in the high-density city of Hong Kong. Face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 community-dwelling older adults. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis techniques. Five general themes were revealed: risks and circumstances of falls, consequences of falls, fear of falling and its consequences, neighbourhood environment, and strategies and behaviours of fall prevention. While older adults discussed the risks of falling and held a fear of falling, these beliefs were mixed. In addition to fall prevention strategies (e.g. keep balance), current findings highlighted the importance of establishing protective factors (e.g. flat and even walking paths) and reducing risk factors (e.g. neighbourhood clutter) in neighbourhood environments. For urban-dwelling older adults in high-density cities, current findings highlight the importance of focusing efforts at the built environment level in addition to strategies and behaviours of fall prevention at the individual level.
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8
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Salari N, Darvishi N, Ahmadipanah M, Shohaimi S, Mohammadi M. Global prevalence of falls in the older adults: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:334. [PMID: 35765037 PMCID: PMC9238111 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03222-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing life expectancy, declining mortality, and birth rates, the world's geriatric population is increasing. Falls in the older people are one of the most common and serious problems. Injuries from falls can be fatal or non-fatal and physical or psychological, leading to a reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of falls in the older people through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the data from studies on the prevalence of falls in the older people in the world were extracted in the databases of Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed and Science Direct, and Google Scholar, Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) without any time limit until August 2020. To analyze the eligible studies, the stochastic effects model was used, and the heterogeneity of the studies with the I2 index was investigated. Data analysis was conducted with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2). RESULTS In the review of 104 studies with a total sample size of 36,740,590, the prevalence of falls in the older people of the world was 26.5% (95% CI 23.4-29.8%). The highest rate of prevalence of falls in the older people was related to Oceania with 34.4% (95% CI 29.2-40%) and America with 27.9% (95% CI 22.4-34.2%). The results of meta-regression indicated a decreasing trend in the prevalence of falls in the older people of the world by increasing the sample size and increasing the research year (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The problem of falls, as a common problem with harmful consequences, needs to be seriously considered by policymakers and health care providers to make appropriate plans for preventive interventions to reduce the rate of falls in the older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Salari
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Niloofar Darvishi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Melika Ahmadipanah
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamarina Shohaimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran.
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de Souza Moreira B, Cristina de Souza Andrade A, Xavier CC, Proietti FA, Braga LDS, Friche AADL, Teixeira Caiaffa W. Perceived neighborhood and fall history among community-dwelling older adults living in a large Brazilian urban area: a multilevel approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:522-534. [PMID: 32568556 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1782354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the neighborhood features related to falls in the older population in low-and-middle-income countries, including Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate if perceived neighborhood features are related to falls among older Brazilian adults living in a large urban area. This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 834 participants (≥60 years) from a multistage household survey in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The association between fall history in the previous year and perceived neighborhood features (quality of services, physical and social disorder, and safety) was examined using multilevel logistic regression. The fall prevalence was 13.6%. Older adults living in neighborhoods with a higher physical disorder were more likely to report fall in the previous year, even after controlling for demographic, clinical and social variables (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.14-5.87). The other neighborhood features investigated were not associated with a fall history. Our findings suggest that improving the physical environment represents an important strategy to prevent falls in the Brazilian urban older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno de Souza Moreira
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Observatory for Urban Health in Belo Horizonte (OSUBH), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luciana de Souza Braga
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Amélia Augusta de Lima Friche
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Observatory for Urban Health in Belo Horizonte (OSUBH), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Waleska Teixeira Caiaffa
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Observatory for Urban Health in Belo Horizonte (OSUBH), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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10
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The onset of falls and its effects on perceived social exclusion and loneliness. Evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 100:104622. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kantow S, Seangpraw K, Ong-Artborirak P, Tonchoy P, Auttama N, Bootsikeaw S, Choowanthanapakorn M. Risk Factors Associated with Fall Awareness, Falls, and Quality of Life Among Ethnic Minority Older Adults in Upper Northern Thailand. Clin Interv Aging 2021; 16:1777-1788. [PMID: 34629869 PMCID: PMC8495147 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s328912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Falls are a major public health issue and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the older adults in many countries. Falls and their consequences have an impact on people’s quality of life, particularly the older adults. However, there have been very few studies on falls among ethnic minority groups living in rural areas. The aim of this study was to examine factors related to fall awareness, falls, and quality of life among ethnic minority older adults living in northern Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 462 older adults from ethnic minority groups living in rural communities in Phayao and Lamphun provinces of northern Thailand using a multi-stage sampling technique. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews, with structured questionnaires covering health information, fall awareness, and quality of life (WHOQOL-OLD). The factors were determined using simple linear regression and binary logistic regression. Results The mean age of the participants was 68.2, Karen (35.5%), Mien (24.2%), indigenous (20.8%), and Hmong (19.5%). In the previous 12 months, 20.6% of elders had experienced a fall, and 4.5% of them had experienced multiple falls. More than half of the elders had moderate fall awareness and quality of life (71.6% and 68.6%, respectively). Univariate analysis revealed that minority group, sociodemographic characteristics, sleep duration, and fear of falling were all found to be associated with fall awareness, falls, and quality of life score (p<0.001). There was a significant relationship among fall awareness, falls, and quality of life score (p<0.001). Compared to those who had not fallen in the previous year, the quality of life of the older adults who had fallen was about 11 points lower. Conclusion Several independent variables were discovered to be fall risk factors and quality of life indicators. It is critical to recognize the risk factors to promote fall prevention programs that are appropriate for the older adults among ethnic minorities. Therefore, public health agencies and local government should be aware of the problem and initiate an implementation program and policy to prevent falls and improve the quality of life among ethnic minority older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supakan Kantow
- School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | | | | | - Prakasit Tonchoy
- School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Nisarat Auttama
- School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
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12
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Investigating the Association between Outdoor Environment and Outdoor Activities for Seniors Living in Old Residential Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147500. [PMID: 34299950 PMCID: PMC8307385 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many seniors live in old residential communities (ORCs) with low-quality outdoor environment (OE), which hinders the residents’ outdoor daily activities (ODAs). This paper empirically investigates the association of OE on ODAs for seniors living in ORCs. A questionnaire was designed and distributed in six central districts of Nanjing city. A total of 258 questionnaires was finally collected, of which 60.08%, 29.46%, 9.69%, and 0.78% respondents were scattered into four age groups (61–69, 70–79, 80–89, and ≥90), respectively. Based on reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, the results show that: (1) social activities are mainly associated with noise; (2) leisure activities are significantly associated with road accessibility, slip-resistance measures, greenery, and staff; (3) utilitarian-type activities are significantly associated with stairway accessibility, slip-resistance measures, greenery, and seating; (4) there is a significant association between nature-exposure activities and layout, greenery, and poor air quality. The findings could guide Chinese officials when renewing ORCs by addressing the most important outdoor environmental factors associated with ODAs.
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Impact of Fall Risk and Direct Oral Anticoagulant Treatment on Quality-Adjusted Life-Years in Older Adults with Atrial Fibrillation: A Markov Decision Analysis. Drugs Aging 2021; 38:713-723. [PMID: 34235644 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The decision to initiate anticoagulation in older adults with atrial fibrillation is complicated by the benefit of ischemic stroke prevention vs the risk of falls resulting in major bleeds. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different treatments including direct oral anticoagulants on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in patients aged 75 years and older with atrial fibrillation in the context of falls. METHODS A Markov decision process was constructed for older patients with atrial fibrillation taking no anti-thrombotic, aspirin, warfarin, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. Input probabilities for clinical events were estimated from the available literature. One-way and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed by measuring the impact of varying input probabilities of clinical events on QALY outcomes. RESULTS The base-case scenario estimated that older adults treated with no anti-thrombotic, aspirin, warfarin, rivaroxaban, and apixaban had QALYs of 8.03, 8.69, 10.38, 11.02, and 11.56, respectively. The sensitivity analysis estimated that an older adult would need to fall over 45 (rivaroxaban) and 458 (apixaban) times per year for the QALY of a direct oral anticoagulant to be lower than that of aspirin. CONCLUSIONS Older adults with atrial fibrillation benefit from stroke protection of anticoagulants, especially direct oral anticoagulants, even if they are at high risk of falls. Clinicians should not consider fall risk as a deciding factor for withholding anticoagulation in this population of patients.
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Adamek ME, Gebremariam Kotecho M, Chane S, Gebeyaw G. Challenges and Assets of Older Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perspectives of Gerontology Scholars. J Aging Soc Policy 2021; 34:108-126. [PMID: 34160333 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2021.1927614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Life expectancy is increasing globally, with the biggest gains expected in sub-Saharan Africa. Using an online survey, we investigated the perspectives of gerontology scholars on the challenges of aging in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the assets of older adults. Respondents (n = 72) from 17 countries, primarily in Africa, and representing 16 disciplines, identified the top issues facing African older adults as: poverty, lack of trained geriatric professionals, food insecurity, disability/health issues, and long-term care. Older adults' unique strengths were noted as indigenous knowledge systems, being holders of cultural heritage, and their contributions to development. Respondents' biggest concerns about older adults in sub-Saharan Africa were the lack of government attention to aging issues (63%) and a lack of social services targeted to older adults' needs (57%). Government funding (77.8%) and international partnerships (38.9%) were noted as resources needed to support aging research in sub-Saharan Africa. The response or non-response of governments in sub-Saharan Africa will determine whether the growing number of older adults will increasingly experience unmet needs and whether their assets will be considered in development efforts. Establishing professional networks of gerontology scholars in the region will help to document the challenges faced by older adults, to plan for the coming demographic shift, and to empower older adults to thrive as valued community members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Adamek
- Professor, School of Social Work, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Messay Gebremariam Kotecho
- Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Research Associate, Department of Social Work and Community Development, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Samson Chane
- Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Gebeyaw
- Lecturer, Department of Social Work, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Bhagavathula AS, Gebreyohannes EA, Fialova D. Prevalence of Polypharmacy and Risks of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in the Older Population in a Developing Country: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gerontology 2021; 68:136-145. [PMID: 33975303 DOI: 10.1159/000516075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in older populations (65+ years) have not yet been investigated by meta-analyses in developing countries. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM use and major risk factors associated with PIM prescribing in older adults in Ethiopia. METHODS We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies published between January 1990 and October 2020. Observational studies reporting the prevalence and association of risk factors with polypharmacy and PIM use in the older population were meta-analyzed. A multilevel meta-analysis was conducted to pool the prevalence estimates, and the risk of PIM use was reported as a relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS We identified by systematic literature review 404 articles. Of those, 8 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria, comprising a total sample of 2,608 participants. The overall prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM use pooled by meta-analysis in the Ethiopian older population was 33 and 37%, respectively. The risk factors of PIM use were analyzed in the meta-analysis (particularly polymorbidity, polypharmacy, gender, and older age), and only older age of 65+ (RR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.16-2.51) was significantly associated with PIM use. CONCLUSION This first meta-analysis from a developing country revealed a high prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM use in the Ethiopian older population. There was no awareness about the risk of PIMs in patients with polypharmacy and polymorbidity, and older age significantly predicted PIM use. Interventions ensuring rational geriatric pharmacotherapy are essential in developing countries in order to reduce the expected burden of PIM-related geriatric morbidity, higher costs, and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | | | - Daniela Fialova
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czechia.,Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Alabdullgader A, Rabbani U. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Falls Among the Elderly in Unaizah City, Saudi Arabia. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2021; 21:e86-e93. [PMID: 33777428 PMCID: PMC7968899 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2021.21.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Falls and fall-related consequences are a major public health problem in the elderly. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of falls and fall-related risk factors among elderly individuals in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and October 2019 among 280 elderly patients aged >60 years old attending 10 randomly selected primary healthcare centres in Unaizah City, Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the validated 10-item Missouri Alliance for Home Care (MAHC-10) fall risk assessment tool. Results A total of 269 participants were included in the study (response rate: 96.1%). The prevalence of falls over the preceding year was 31.6%. Females fell more frequently than males (34.5% versus 28.5%) and most falls occurred indoors (84.7%). Various risk factors were associated with fall risk including being aged >80 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66–16.14), polypharmacy (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.01–5.71) and environmental factors (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.24–6.28). However, more educated participants had a lower risk of falling (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09–0.77). There was also a significant association with the MAHC-10 fall risk score (P = 0.043). Conclusion There was a high prevalence of falls among the elderly in Unaizah City. Various factors were associated with falls including advanced age, polypharmacy, age-related changes and environmental factors. As the majority of fall events occurred indoors, home safety improvements are recommended. Moreover, additional larger-scale research is necessary regarding fall-related risk factors and fall prevention initiatives among elderly individuals in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Unaib Rabbani
- Family Medicine Academy, Qassim Health Cluster, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Gashaw M, Janakiraman B, Minyihun A, Jember G, Sany K. Self-reported fall and associated factors among adult people with visual impairment in Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:498. [PMID: 32295572 PMCID: PMC7161228 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08628-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fall is a major public health problem and potentially disabling issue. A vast burden of visually impaired live in low-middle income countries particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Limited ability to detect environmental hazards puts visually impaired at a greater risk of falls and unintentional injuries. Falls among visually impaired is associated with considerable disability, health care cost, loss of independence, and socio-economic consequences. Ethiopia lacked estimates of fall among any vulnerable population, particularly among visually impaired people. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of falls and factors associated among adult people with medically diagnosed visual impairment in Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among visually impaired adults who attended the ophthalmology clinic at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital during the study period. Data were collected by interview method using structured questionnaires, patient medical record reviews, and physical measurements. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model analysis was used to identify factors associated with falls. Adjusted odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed to show the strength of association. Results A total of 328 adults medically diagnosed with visual impairment participated in the study (97.3% response rate). The age of the participants ranged from 25 to 89 years with a mean age of (56.46 ± 14.2 years). The overall cumulative prevalence of self-reported falls among adults with visual impairment was 26.8% with 95%CI (22.7, 32.4%). The major associated factors of fall identified by multivariate analysis were; visual impairment in both eye (AOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.11, 9.29), fear of falling: some concerned: (AOR, 4.12; 95%CI, 1.44, 11.76), very concerned fear (AOR 10.03; 95% CI, 3.03, 33.21), medications: (AOR 4.63; 95% CI 2.14, 10.00) and self-reported depression: (AOR 3.46; 95% CI 1.11, 10.79). Conclusion The result of this study indicates a moderate self-reported prevalence of fall among adult people with medically diagnosed visual impairment. Identifying sub-groups at risk of falls among visually impaired, modifiable risk factors, implementation of precaution measures to avoid fall and fall-related injuries, and most importantly measures that would reduce the fear of falls in visually impaired people deserves immediate attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moges Gashaw
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Balamurugan Janakiraman
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Minyihun
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Jember
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kedir Sany
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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