Falls in Geriatric Population- A Cross Sectional Study for Assessment of the Risk Factors

Abstract

Objective: To assess the risk factors for falls in geriatric population of aged 60 and above

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2012 on geriatric population of age 60 and above. A total of 100 participants were selected through consecutive sampling technique. Personal interviews were conducted. Chi square test was applied as the test of significance for finding association between falls and risk factors. P value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: A total of 100 participants were included in the study, male and female ratio was 2:3. A large portion of participants had a history of fall as 45% said they had also fallen previously while the remaining 55% gave no history of fall. Fractures were the outcome of 51% of the falls that were included into this study. Majority fractures observed were in the lower limb (59%), Majority of the participants, 51% gave slipping or tripping over some object as the reason of their fall only one third 33% were in the affirmative that physiotherapists can bring a change in their lifestyle. The time of fall as mentioned by the participants was for the majority in the morning as 56% falls occurred before noon.
Conclusion: Approximately fifty percent of the falls had resulted in fractures especially of the lower limb. Life style modifications that can help in minimizing the risk of falls should be incorporated in daily life to avert harmful consequences.