Predictors of injurious falls and fear of falling differ: an 11-year longitudinal study of incident events in older people
Date
2015-02-09
Authors
Clemson, Lindy
Kendig, Hal
Mackenzie, Lynette
Browning, Colette
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sage
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to identify the intrinsic, psychosocial and lifestyle factors, which, over time, predict the incidence of having a fall requiring medical attention (injurious fall) or of acquiring a fear of falling (FOF). METHOD: Data from 1,000 participants in the Melbourne Longitudinal Studies on Healthy Ageing (MELSHA, 1994-2005) were analyzed using cox regressions and hazard ratios. RESULTS: The predictors of injurious falls (n = 900, events = 200) were increasing age, slower gait speed, and being depressed. Main predictors of developing a FOF (n = 855, events =117) were increasing age, cognitive impairment, reduced social activity, and gender. A history of falls at baseline did not predict acquiring a FOF nor did FOF predict a future fall. DISCUSSION: The profile of the person who will have an injurious fall differs from the profile of the person who develops a FOF and should be considered when designing interventions.
Description
Keywords
accidental falls, aged, community-residing, injurious falls, older adults
Citation
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Source
Journal of Aging and Health
Type
Journal article