Abstract

Prevalence of and risk factors for falls and disability among elderly individuals in a Turkish population (Trabzon Province)

Author(s):Gülhan Güner Seçil and Nural Nesrin

Falls are a significant problem in the elderly. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of falls and the risk factors for falls and disability in an elderly population. In this study with a descriptive and correlational design, the sample population included 343 elderly individuals who were 65 years and above. Data gathered with a questionnaire consist of 14 questions related to fall prevalence, fall risk’s factors and brief disability scale. Data was evaluated by chi-square, Student T test, correlation, multiple and logistic regression analyse. In study, the prevalence of falls was found 36.2% in elderly in a year. Tissue injuries (17.2%) is the most common health problems caused by the falls. As well as the traditional risk factors for falls; widowed/never married and underweight, extended family structure was determined to be of the risk factors for falls. 54.8% elderly had a severe disability, and the prevalence of falls were higher among those with mild disability (50.0%). It was identified that almost one third of the elderly people living in Trabzon fell down and had health problems (28%) correlated with falls. It was determined that half of the elderly severe disability.

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