Fall risk factors among community dweller senior citizens: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Falls in older adults are the third leading cause of chronic disability & fall-related injuries are common in community-dwelling older people. Those who survive falls may have restricted activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, soft tissue injuries, or fractures. Aim: To identify the fall risk factors in the elderly population of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study design was used to measure the aim & objective of the study. In this study, 85 participants were selected by purposive sampling. Among 85 participants 30 were male & 55 were female. Data were analyzed through SPSS 20. Data were collected through household survey in the community & using a questionnaire (Home Falls & Accident Screening Tool, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go and Bangla Adapted Mini-mental State Examination) Result: Among 85 participants 35.3% were male & 64.7% were female. Among them, 44.7% had a history of falls & 48.2% had a risk of falls. Among them 62.4% are independent in their balance function, 25.9% need assistance for walking & 11.8% were wheelchair-bound. There are home hazards of their houses. Only 43.5% have a toilet in their bedroom. 92.9% have no grab rail in their toilet. Conclusion: This study reveals that there is a moderate risk of falls among senior citizens. There are many factors identified which is responsible for the risk of fall in senior citizen. Home hazards, balance problems, mobility problems, cognitive impairment, and poor health status are responsible for falling. Keywords: Fall, Senior citizen, Risk Abstract Abstract