Citation

Spoelstra S, Given BA, von Eye A, Given CW. Cancer Nurs. 2010; 33(2): 149-155.

Affiliation

College of Nursing, Department of Psychology, and College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NCC.0b013e3181bbbe8a

PMID

20142742

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Falls place older adults at risk for injuries, resulting in functional decline, hospitalization, institutionalization, higher healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life. OBJECTIVE:: This study examined community-dwelling elderly to identify if individuals with a history of cancer fall at a higher rate than those without cancer, and if the occurrence of falls was influenced by individual characteristics, symptoms, or function. METHODS:: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study, in 2007, examining 7,448 community-dwelling elderly 65 years or older in a state in the Midwest. Fallers were identified based on a diagnosis of cancer, age, sex, race and ethnicity, poor vision, reduced activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, cognition, incontinence, pain, or depression. RESULTS:: Findings indicated that 2,125 (28.5%) had at least 1 fall. Of those who fell, 967 (13.0%) had cancer, and 363 (4.9%) with cancer had a fall. CONCLUSION:: Predictors of falls in this population included race, sex, ADLs, incontinence, depression, and pain, all with P <.05. Cancer was not a predictor of falls in this study. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:: This study found a high frequency of falls and suggests a predictive model for fall risk in the vulnerable, community-dwelling elderly and will be used to inform future studies.

Language: en