Prevalence and Associated Factors of Falls in the Elderly Community

지역사회 재가 노인의 낙상에 영향을 미치는 요인

  • Paek, Kyung-Won (Department of Emergency Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Song, Hyun-Jong (Department of Emergency Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Jung, Yoon-Seok (Department of Emergency Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Moon, Hae-Won (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Cho, Joon-Pil (Department of Emergency Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine)
  • 백경원 (아주대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 송현종 (아주대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 정윤석 (아주대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 문혜원 (아주대학교 의과대학 재활의학교실) ;
  • 조준필 (아주대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실)
  • Published : 2001.03.01

Abstract

Objectives : To analyze factors associated with elderly falls in a community dwelling, a comparatively important, but somewhat neglected, health mailer. Methods : Data came from personal interview surveys using a questionnaire of 552 people aged 65 or older living in a community. Socioeconomic, and health related characteristics were investigated as independent variables and experiences of falling in the previous year as the dependent variable. Results : 118(21.4%) of the elderly subjects experienced a fall in the previous year. 24 subjects experienced more than two falls, accounting for 20.3% of the elderly fall victims studied. Factors affecting the falls were families living together, level of daily activity, heart disease, and aconuresis;, therefore an elderly person who lives alone, lives independently, has heart disease, or suffers urinary incontinence had a demonstrated increased chance of failing. Conclusion : Groups at risk for luting included elderly persons living alone, living independently, suffering heart disease, or experiencing urinary incontinence. When an elderly fall prevention program is developed and implemented, these results should be considered.

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