Trends in Hospitalization for Fall-Related Injuries in US Older Adults, 2001-2021

Introduction: Fall-related injuries are a major public health problem affecting ageing populations. Although previous studies have reported increasing hospitalization rates for fall-related injuries in United States older adults, recent trends in hospitalization for these injuries have not been examined. Thus, the present study aimed to examine nationwide trends in hospitalization after emergency department (ED) visits for fall-related injuries. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program was used to estimate hospitalizations after ED visits for fall-related injuries in adults ≥ 65 years between 2001 and 2021. Joinpoint regression software V.5.0.2 was used to examine the average annual percent change in age- and sex-adjusted hospitalization rates according to type of injury, body parts, and traumatic brain injuries. Results: A total of 704,875 ED visits for fall-related injuries occurred in US older adults between 2001 and 2021. Of those 26.5% (95% CI: 26.3, 26.6) were hospitalized. Overall, women represented 59.2% (95% CI: 59.0, 59.5) of the hospitalizations and fractures were the leading type of injury. By sex, hospitalization rates in women annually increased on average by 2.5% (95% CI: 2.0, 3.0) and in men by 4.2% (95% CI: 3.6, 4.9). Similarly, fall-related fracture rates in men increased annually on average by 2.5% (95% CI: 1.9, 3.2) and in women by 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0, 2.2) during the study period. Notably, the highest increase in hospitalization rates during the study period occurred among older adults with traumatic brain injuries. Conclusion: Hospitalizations for fall-related injuries significantly increased in US older adults over the past two decades. The present findings underscore the importance of implementing effective community-based programs to prevent fall-related injuries.