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FALLS BY ELDERLY PEOPLE AT HOME: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS
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1988
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Physical ActivityAgingFall Risk AssessmentInjury PreventionGeriatric MedicineEpidemiology Of AgingKinesiologyInterdisciplinary TeamsGeriatric Fracture CareApplied PhysiologyPublic HealthHydrationFall RiskHealth SciencesFall PreventionPsychiatryGeriatricsPhysical FitnessMedicineElderly CareRehabilitationCommunity SurveyGeriatric SpineHome HealthcarePhysical TherapyHuman MovementDominant HandComplementary Medicine
Discriminant analysis identified dominant‑hand grip strength, arthritis, giddiness, and foot problems as key predictors of recent falls. Among 1,042 community‑dwelling seniors, 35 % fell in the past year, tripping was the most common cause, mobility was impaired, and hypnotic/antidepressant use was associated with falls, whereas diuretics, antihypertensives, and tranquilizers were not.
Of 1042 individuals aged 65 years and over who were successfully interviewed in a community survey of health and physical activity, 35% (n = 356) reported one or more falls in the preceding year. Although the overall ratio of female fallers to male fallers was 2.7:1, this ratio approached unity with advancing age. Mobility was significantly impaired in those reporting falls. Asked to provide a reason for their falls, 53% reported tripping, 8% dizziness and 6% reported blackouts. A further 19% were unable to give a reason. There was no association between falls and the use of diuretics, antihypertensives or tranquilizers, but a significant association between falls and the use of hypnotics and antidepressants was found. Discriminant analysis of selected medical and anthropometric variables indicated that handgrip strength in the dominant hand and reported symptoms of arthritis, giddiness and foot difficulties were most influential in predicting reports of recent falls.