Citation

Tanaka T, Matsumoto H, Son BK, Imaeda S, Uchiyama E, Taniguchi S, Nishino A, Miura T, Tanaka T, Otsuki T, Nishide K, Iijima K, Okata J. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2018; 18(9): 1372-1377.

Affiliation

Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Japan Geriatrics Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ggi.13494

PMID

30133136

Abstract

AIM: To identify environmental and physical factors that predispose middle-aged and older Japanese adults to falls and fall-related fractures in the home.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2014. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 15 000 community-dwelling adults in Japan. The overall crude response rate was 13%. Response data were analyzed from 1561 individuals aged ≥40 years using multiple imputation to analyze missing data. We evaluated falls without fractures and fall-related fractures during the previous 3 years according to demographic, physical and environmental factors, including age, sex, long-term care insurance certification, type of house and barrier-free housing.

RESULTS: Of the 1561 adults (mean age 68.1 ± 13.0 years), 28% experienced a fall in the home. Among the individuals who experienced a fall, 11% experienced fall-related fractures. These individuals were more likely to be women (OR 2.4, 95.0% CI 1.1-5.1), have LTCI certification (OR 3.9, 95.0% CI 1.6-9.4) and be living in a barrier home (OR 4.0, 95.0% CI 1.6-9.8), after adjustment for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS: Environmental factors, such as living in a barrier home, are critical for fall-related fractures, in addition to demographic and physical factors. A multidisciplinary approach that considers both physical and environmental factors is necessary for reducing the incidence of fall-related fractures among middle-aged and older Japanese adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; ••: ••-••.

© 2018 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Language: en

Keywords

accidental fall; barrier-free; fracture; frail elderly