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Risk factors for falls among the community-dwelling elderly in Korea
Kyeong-Yae Sohng1, Jung-Soon Moon, Hae-Hiang Song
1College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-7001, Korea. sky@catholic.ac.kr
Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Falls are common in elderly Koreans, with 42% experiencing at least one fall annually. Poor balance, reduced muscle strength, and alternative therapy use significantly increase fall risk in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Falls are a significant public health concern among the elderly, leading to injury and reduced quality of life.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for falls in specific populations, like elderly Koreans, is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of falls and identify associated risk factors among community-dwelling elderly Koreans.
- To investigate the relationship between physiological, physical, psychosocial factors, and fall risk in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in community-based centers involving 351 ambulatory elderly individuals aged 65 years and older.
- Data collected included physiological and physical health, psychosocial functions, self-reported physical capacity and activity, vision, medication use, and fall history.
Main Results:
- 42% of elderly Korean subjects reported at least one fall in the past 12 months; 38% of these falls resulted in medical attention or hospitalization.
- Significant risk factors for falls included restricted activity in the previous five years (adjusted OR 1.3), alternative therapy use (adjusted OR 2.7), low knee flexor and extensor muscle strength (adjusted OR 1.21 and 1.20), and poor balance with closed eyes (adjusted OR 8.32).
Conclusions:
- Falls are highly prevalent among community-dwelling older adults in Korea.
- Neuromuscular impairment (poor balance, reduced muscle strength) and indicators of frailty are significant predictors of fall risk in this population.