Falls in a Proportional Region Population in Korean Elderly: Incidence, Consequences, and Risk Factors

Abstract

Methods: The study participants were community-dwelling elderly people aged 65 years or old as a population based sample of one large city. A total of 828 people 65 years or older participated in this study. They were interviewed over the telephone by a trained interviewer using a structured questionnaire to obtain a fall history and details of their most recent fall including date, time, place, circumstances, and associated injury. As for risk factors for falls, we asked about living arran- gement (with family or alone), alcohol intake, exercise, visual and hearing impairments, memory and sensory problems, lower limb weakness, and arthritis symptoms. Fear of falling and fear-related activity restriction were also evaluated. Results: The incidence of falls during the last one year was 13.0%. Women experienced falls more frequently. Falls occurred mainly in spring and summer and from 10 AM to 3 PM. Common causes of falls were slipping and tripping. 14.9% of those who fell suffered consequent fractures. Being female was a significant risk factor for falls; and females tended to get injured more severely following a fall. During the recent one year, decreased proprioception in the lower extremity was a significant risk factor for falls. Those with histories of falls, and especially women, tended to limit their activities due to the fear of falling. Conclusion: Overall, it appears that elderly women are more greatly affected by falls at several levels. Female partici- pants fell more frequently and suffered more severe consequences. Fall-related injuries and risk factors for falls dis- proportionately affected women. And, being female and any amount of decreased sensation in the feet were significant risk factors for falls.