Abstract: Objective To explore the factors related to fall in older people living in urban communities and to provide evidence for developing prevention program.Methods A cross-sectional studyas conducted in four communities of Jiading district,Shanghai.Persons over 55 years oldere selectedith multistage random-cluster sampling.Data on fallsithin previous 12 months and fall-related risk factorsere collected through a face-to-face interview.Results The overall incidence of fallas 7.12% ithin one year among the 1 672 interview ees.Results from multivariate logistic regression analyses show ed that risk factors for fall included female (odds ratio (OR)=2.150,95% confidence interval (CI):1.3523.420),age from 75 to 80 years(OR=2.032,95% CI:1.245-3.314),antihypertensive drug use(OR=2.107,95% CI:1.0684.158),taking exercise everyday(OR=1.273,95% CI:1.057-1.535),clumsy gait(OR=2.149,95% CI:1.118-4.130),and using support device in walking(OR=4.373,95% CI:1.740-10.989).The protective factors were physical disability(OR=0.246,95% CI:0.097-0.622),no restriction in lifting or carrying groceries(OR=0.527,95% CI:0.347-0.799).Conclusion Falls in the eldely are caused by combined intrinsic and extrinsic factors and the intervention on falls should be targeted on risk factors.