Investigation of Risk Factors for Recurrent Falls in Iranian Older people: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fatemeh  Akbari; Zahra Taheri-Kharameh; Mohammadamin  Shabani; Zahra  Saboohi

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21826

Fatemeh Akbari Students Research Committee, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Zahra Taheri-Kharameh Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Mohammadamin Shabani Students Research Committee, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Zahra Saboohi Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21826

Keywords: Recurrent, Fall, Older people, Risk factors

Abstract

Background: Recurrent falls among the older people can have serious consequences. Frequent falls are a significant health concern for the older people and can lead to serious injuries and reduced quality of life. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with frequent falls among older people in Iran.

Methods: 160 older people with a history of falling were recruited. Data was collected using a questionnaire that consisted of three sections: demographic information and falling characteristics, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Questionnaire, and the International Short-Form Scale of Efficiency in Falling. Descriptive and analytical statistics, including univariate and multiple logistic regression, were employed to analyze the data in this study.

Results: The most common diseases among the participants were hypertension (35%), heart disease (26.3%), and diabetes (26%). Based on the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, hearing loss (OR=2.36; 95% CI: 1.51–4.38), overweight (OR=1.04; 95% CI: 0.80–1.95), and fear of falling (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 1.01–1.27) were identified as significant predictors of recurrent falls.

Conclusion: This study identified hearing loss, fear of falling, and weight as risk factors for recurrent falls among Iranian older people. Regular screenings for hearing and weight loss in older people help reduce the risk of recurrent falls and improve healthcare.