A comprehensive assessment of risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older adults

Yunchuan (Lucy) Zhao, Jenny Alderden, Bonnie K. Lind, Heejung Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Falls in community-dwelling older adults are a complicated phenomenon that are attributed to sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, functional problems, and environmental factors. The current cross-sectional and correlational study aimed to explore comprehensive risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older adults using a nationally representative data file (N = 5,930). Descriptive statistics were used and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Study findings showed that homebound or semihomebound older adults were 50% more likely to experience a fall than non-homebound individuals. Impaired balance was the strongest predictor (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37, p < 0.001), followed by problems moving around in the home. Arthritis (OR = 1.39, p = 0.009) and depression or anxiety (OR = 1.28, p = 0.013) were additional risk factors. Community health or home health nurses need to assess these risk factors when planning fall intervention programs for older adults using evidence-based prevention strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)40-48
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of gerontological nursing
Volume44
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Gerontology

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