Citation

Scott VJ, Gallagher EM. Can. J. Public Health 1999; 90(5): 343-347.

Affiliation

Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, BC. vscott@uvic.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Canadian Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10570581

Abstract

Falls are a major health problem for persons aged 65 years and over. This study examined differences in patterns of fall-related injuries and deaths between age groups, sexes, and among Health Regions of BC. For those under the age of 65 years, fall-related injuries are highest among males, whereas for those 65 and over, falls among females exceed those among males by 2:1. For persons aged 65 and over, 84% of hospital days for unintentional injuries involve falls, with transportation and "other" unintentional injuries contributing 16%. While older women are hospitalized more often for fall-related injuries, more older men die from fall-related injuries. Hospitalization rates due to injuries from falls are highest in the Northern Regions of BC. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.

Language: en