Citation

Alamgir H, Wong NJ, Hu Y, Yu M, Marshall A, Yu S. South. Med. J. 2015; 108(2): 119-124.

Affiliation

From the Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, San Antonio, and the Division of Health Statistics, National Center for Public Health Surveillance and Information Services, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Southern Medical Association)

DOI

10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000237

PMID

25688898

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The expected increase in the US older adult population implies an increased risk of fall-related injury among these individuals. We describe the epidemiology of fall morbidity among older adults in Texas, a large US state with a diverse population base.

METHODS: Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2010 data were analyzed. The falls outcome was defined as falling: any fall in the past 3 months and a serious fall: a fall resulting in limited activities for at least 1 day or requiring medical attention.

RESULTS: A total of 5996 subjects were included in this analysis; 17.6% (n = 1055) reported falling 1 to 5 times in the previous 3 months, and 361 (6%) experienced serious falls. Risk of falling had a significant positive association among respondents who rated their general health as fair to poor (relative risk [RR] 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-3.68) and a negative association for those who reported regular physical activity (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42-0.82). A similar model examined the risk of serious falls and found statistically positive associations in respondents who reported fair or poor general health (RR 3.29, 95% CI 2.00-5.43). Negative associations were found for those who reported regular physical activity (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.83) and for men (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.98). No statistically significant correlations for either of the fall outcomes were found with residence, obesity, education, income, age, ethnicity, employment, marital status, diabetes mellitus, or cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Interventions aimed at the prevention of falls should focus on maintaining and improving general health and promoting physical activity among older adults.

Language: en