Risk factors of falls among community older people in Shijiazhuang city

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of falls among community older people in Shijiazhuang city and to provide evidences for the prevention of falls.Methods Totally 1 609 older people aged 60 years and over in two communities were selected with random sampling and surveyed with a self-designed questionnaire,Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians(OSTA) and balance test.Results Among the 1 609 participants,180 reported falls within one year and the incidence of falls was l1.2%;the results of logistic regression showed that the risk factors for falls included female(odds ratioOR=1.483),advanced age(OR=1.340),decreased ability of statics balance(OR=1.550),decreased ability of dynamic balance(OR=1.560),with fall history(OR=10.461),suffering from cerebrovascular disease(OR=2.298),suffering from hyperstosis(OR=1.996),continuous medication for over three months(OR=1.604),no handrails next to the toilet(OR=1.929),at a high risk of osteoporosis(OR=1.903),and with the history of fracture(OR=2.466).Conclusion Falls in older people is the outcome of combined effect of multifactors.The risk of falls was higher among persons with fall history.Comprehensive measure should be taken to prevent falls in the older people.