Citation

Stalenhoef PA, Crebolder HFJM, Knottnerus JA, van der Horst FGEM. Eur. J. Public Health 1997; 7(3): 328-334.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/eurpub/7.3.328

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In order to obtain an overview of the incidences, risk factors and health consequences of falls among elderly persons living in the community from the available literature, a Medline computer search of publications over the period 1981-1994 was carried out. Fourteen studies met the following inclusion criteria: i) the study is an original investigation of falls among the elderly, ii) the study deals with the incidence, risk factors and/or consequences of falls among the elderly and iii) the study refers to a population at risk consisting of persons aged 60 years or over belonging to a population relevant to general practice. The selected studies were subjected to a methodological assessment on the basis of 10 methodological criteria. All the studies were independently assessed by 1 author and 1 assistant to obtain a methodological consensus. The relevant outcomes of these studies are reported. Pooling of data was not performed because of relevant differences between the studies. Two studies met all methodological criteria and 2 other studies were second best. These 4 studies were given preference. Approximately 30% of subjects older than 65 years fall at least once a year and approximately 15% fall recurrently. The main risk factors for falls among the elderly belong to the intrinsic (patient-related) risk factors: cognitive impairment, balance and gait disorders, use of sedatives and hypnotics, a history of stroke, advanced age, arthritis of the knee and a high level of dependence. Extrinsic (environment-related) risk factors did not play a significant role in any of the studies. Not all studies dealt with the health consequences of falls among the elderly. Major injuries were reported in 0.5-9% and fractures in 3-14%.