Citation

Agarwalla R, Saikia AM, Pathak R, Islam F, Borah M, Parashar M. Nat. J. Community Med. 2016; 7(5): 368-371.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, India National Association of Community Medicine; Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Context: The five giants of geriatric that has been identified are immobility, instability (falls), incontinence, intellectual impairment and iatrogenic. Among these, falls are found to be a major problem in the elderly, causing injuries, dependence, psychological difficulties, and social isolation.

Aims: The present study was done to assess the prevalence of falls in elderly and the factors associated with it.

Settings and Design: This cross sectional study was done from August 2013 to December 2013 in Boko- Bongaon Block, Kamrup District, Assam.

Methodology: A total of 360 elderly meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A total of 30 clusters were selected and 12 elderly were selected from each cluster.

Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: Out of 360 elderly, 41.9% had at least 1 fall in the past one year. Among them 14.7% had more than 2 falls in the past one year. On analyzing the association of various factors with falls as dependent variable, older age group, unsatisfactory housing condition, dependent IADL, depression, presence of a co morbid condition and malnutrition were found to have significant association.

Conclusion: The present findings reveal that falls is not an uncommon problem in the elderly.

Language: en