Citation

Chin MY, Lu DF, Wu MH. Hu Li Za Zhi 2008; 55(3): 39-48.

Affiliation

Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi College of Technology, R.O.C. cmolly@tccn.edu.tw.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Nurses' Association of the Republic of China)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18543184

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate falls among community elderly and the factors related thereto. The cross-sectional method was utilized in this study. A sample of 118 subjects aged 65 and over completed structured questionnaires and balance tests. Forty participants (34%) had fallen once or more in the past. Multivariate logistic regression showed that incidents of falls were significantly related to general perceived health status (OR = 0.938, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.900-0.997), one legged stance with eyes closed (OR = 0.788, 95% CI = 0.626-0.933), and mobility (OR = 1.184, 95% CI = 1.026-1.367). Falling is a major health risk for older adults. Health professionals can therefore develop fall preventive programs with a focus on monitoring perceived health status, dynamic balance, and mobility ability, and interventions that are associated with these factors.

Language: zh