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Published on: September 30, 2020
Assistive device use and mobility-related factors among adults aged≥65years
Bethany A West1, Geeta Bhat1, Judy Stevens1
1National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-62, Atlanta, GA, 30341USA.
Introduction:
Examining how assistive device (cane, walker) use relates to other mobility factors can provide insight into older adults' future mobility needs.
Methods:
Data come from the Second Injury Control and Risk Survey, Phase 2 (ICARIS2-P2), conducted from March 2007 to May 2008. Prevalence estimates were calculated for older adults (aged ≥65) and multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations between assistive device use and mobility-related characteristics.
Result:
Compared with non-users, assistive device users were more likely to report a recent fall (AOR 12.0; 95% CI 4.9-29.3), limit walking outside due to concerns about falling (AOR 7.1; 95% CI 2.6-19.1), be unable to walk outside for 10min without resting (AOR 3.3; 95% CI 1.1-9.3), and be no longer driving (AOR 6.7; 95% CI 2.0-22.3).
Conclusion:
Assistive device users have limited mobility and an increased risk for fall injury compared with non-users.
Practical Application:
Effective fall prevention interventions, and innovative transportation options, are needed to protect the mobility of this high-risk group.
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