The relationship between symptoms of depression and falls in older adults: A case-control study

Fall is one of the most common and severe syndromes of older adults that causes disability. Depression is one of the disorders that can lead to many problems, but the results have been contradictory.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between symptoms of depression and falls in older adults.

This observational study.

We collected the data from the health records of older adults in comprehensive health service centers.

We selected two groups of older adults (60 years and above) as the case group (400 older adults with a history of falling) and the control group (400 older adults without a history of falling).

The history of falling was based on the report of old people during a month ago. Symptoms of Depression has been assessed using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).

62.5 % of the sample were old women. The elderly males were 74.6 ± 0.47 years, and the elderly women were 72.9 ± 0.34 years. There was no significant relationship between symptoms of depression and falls in older adults (OR = 1.321, P = 0.203). Age (over 75 years) (OR = 4.391, P < 0.001) and living alone (OR = 2.924, P < 0.001), and high school education (OR = 3.947, P = 0.008) are risk factors.

The symptoms of depression are not related to falls in older adults. However, being above 75 years old and living alone increases the risk of falls, and higher education reduces the risk of falls.