Prevalence and Determinants of Fall Injury among Elderlies in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction:

There is a need for estimations about falls prevalence among elderly as a high-risk group. Inclusion of patients from primary healthcare setting will be more generalizable to elderly population than that obtains by including only hospitalized patients. By targeting PCH attendants with specific age group (>65 years) we will be able to estimate a more generalizable prevalence and to identify potential risk factors of falls among elderlies. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of self-reporting fall injury among elderlies in Najran city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

The cross-sectional study conducted in Najran city from March to April 2023 focused on falls among individuals aged 65 and older attending primary healthcare centers. With a sample size of 377 participants, determined through the Raosoft web-calculator, the study aimed to identify risk factors using a self-administered questionnaire validated by public health experts. The investigation encompassed various independent variables, including demographics and health-related factors, with data analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed to explore associations between determinants and outcomes, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of falls in the elderly population.

Results:

The study, involving 377 participants aged 65 and older in Najran. Notably, among individuals aged 81 and older, a 37% fall rate was observed, while postgraduates exhibited a 37% fall rate. Health and lifestyle factors unveiled compelling associations, with incontinence (25%) significantly linked to a 37% fall rate (p = 0.02), and impaired functional mobility (35%) associated with a 31% fall rate (p = 0.03). Logistic regression highlights the heightened likelihood of falls related to incontinence (odds ratio: 1.82, p = 0.160*), impaired functional mobility (odds ratio: 1.29, p = 0.042*), chronic pain affecting function (odds ratio: 1.63, p = 0.023*), and exposure to environmental hazards (odds ratio: 1.48, p = 0.245).

Conclusions:

Falls among individuals aged 65 and older, identifying significant risk factors such as incontinence, impaired functional mobility, chronic pain affecting function, and exposure to environmental hazards, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and integrated fall risk assessments in geriatric care to address the multifaceted nature of falls in the region and contribute valuable insights to healthcare practices and public health initiatives