Prevalence and Risk Factors of Unintentional In-Home Injuries in Older Adults

Background and Objectives: Older adults are a vulnerable population to unintentional injuries due to age-related physiological decline and the presence of various chronic conditions. Unintentional injuries occurring in the home, such as falls, burns, poisoning, cuts, and suffocation, have been reported at higher rates in this age group compared to younger populations. This study examines the prevalence and types of unintentional in-home injuries in older adults and identifies the risk factors associated with falls and cuts/collisions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 309 older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) recruited from eight senior welfare centers in South Korea. Results: The most frequent cause of injury was falls (28.7%), followed by cuts/collisions (27.0%), burns/fire (11.4%), and other injuries (8.1%). In the model adjusted for age and sex, risk factors for falls included a history of outdoor falls or indoor cuts/collisions, dizziness, and the use of two or more medications. Risk factors for cut/collision injuries included a history of indoor burns or falls, numbness in hands and feet, and visual impairment. Conclusions: To effectively prevent home injuries among older adults, it is crucial to focus not only on falls but also on frequent minor injuries caused by cuts and collisions.