Risk factors for recurrent falls in older adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Recurrent falls in older adults increase the risk of functional decline and mortality.
• Effective secondary fall prevention requires understanding key risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze prospective studies to determine the relative risk of recurrent falls associated with various risk factors.
• To classify risk factors using a standardized system to identify significant predictors of recurrent falls in adults aged 60 years and older.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 peer-reviewed prospective studies.
• Risk factors classified into seven domains: balance/mobility, environmental, psychological, medical, medication, sensory/neuromuscular, and sociodemographic.
• Summary relative risks (RR) calculated for each domain, with risk of bias and study quality assessed.

Main Results:

• Four domains significantly predicted recurrent falls: balance and mobility (RR: 1.32), medication (RR: 1.53), psychological factors (RR: 1.35), and sensory and neuromuscular factors (RR: 1.51).
• These domains are indicative of frailty.
• The risk of bias was low, and study quality was high.

Conclusions:

• Older adults exhibiting markers of frailty are significantly more likely to experience recurrent falls.
• Targeting frailty markers should be a primary strategy for preventing recurrent falls in older populations.