Frequency and nature of falls among older women in India

The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and nature of falls and fall-related injuries among older women in the state of Kerala, India. The study involved 82 community living and 63 institutionalized women aged 60 years or older in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Demographic data and falls profile were collected through the use of a field survey. A significantly lower percentage (45%) of community dwelling participants suffered a fall in the previous year, compared to 64% of those in the Long Term Care (LTC) settings (p < .05). Overall, of those who fell, 74% reported an injury (e.g., cuts and bruises, fractures) as a result of the fall, and 48% of older adults in the community and 70% in the LTC setting required medical treatment as a result of the falls. Falling is emerging as a significant public health problem facing older women in the state of Kerala. Fall prevention strategies to address falls should be explored and implemented within the Indian context.