The prevalence and the risk of falls among institutionalised elderly in Penang, Malaysia
- Author:
Sheng Hui KIOH
1
;
Abdul RASHID
Author Information
1. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Penang Medical College, Penang, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- Keywords:
Falls;
Older Adults;
Nursing Home;
Malaysia
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2018;73(4):212-219
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction and Objectives Over the years, falls has beenincreasingly the most common public health issue worldwide that affects all age groups. However, the risk is nine times higher in older persons especially among thoseresiding in nursing homes. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and the risk of falls and theirassociated factors among elderly living in nursing homes inPenang, Malaysia.Methodology Data were obtained from a cross-sectionalsurvey in ten different nursing homes in the state of Penang, Malaysia. Participants were selected through convenience sampling were interviewed face-to-face using aquestionnaire. Information concerning demographiccharacteristics, fall risk and depression status werecollected.Results Of the 357-elderly aged 60 years and aboveinterviewed in the nursing homes, 32.8% (n=354) reportedhaving one or more falls in the past 12 months whereas13.3% were at moderate/high risk of fall. Depression(Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)=1.71, 95%CI: 1.00 to 2.91) andrespiratory illnesses (aOR=3.38, 95%CI: 1.11 to 10.30) wereshown to be associated with prevalence of falls. Depression(aOR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.06 to 4.23) and history of fall more than once in the past 12 months (aOR=3.90, 95%CI: 1.72 to 8.8) were found to be associated with moderate/high risk of falls.Conclusion This study showed that the prevalence of fallwas higher among depressed elderly and those withrespiratory illness. Elderly with higher history of falls were also at higher risk of falls. These findings suggest the importance of screening the elderly for the risk factors of falls as a preventive measure.
