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Risk factors for domestic falls in elders in Sri Lanka

Shamini Prathapan, Amarasinghe WMSY, Balasooriya TC, Harshana Eranga RA, Fernando DTM, Fernando PTM

Introduction: This research was undertaken to determine the risk factors for domestic falls of elders above age of 60 years among who were admitted to the accident service unit of a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka.

Methods: It was a case control study involving 100 cases and 100 Controls carried out in accident Service Unit and Orthopaedic wards of Colombo South Teaching Hospital. Interviewer administrated questionnaire was used to collect data after gaining verbal consent. Collected data was analysed by Statistical package for the social sciences.

Results: In the bivariate analysis, the statistically significant risk factors were wearing spectacles (OR-0.44, 95% CI: 0.25-0.78), having cataract of one or both eyes (OR-3.62, 95% CI: 2.00-6.58), difficulty in walking (OR-2.20, 95% CI: 1.09-4.44), previous history of falls after age of 50 years (OR-2.36, 95% CI: 1.27-4.39), wearing foot wear inside the house (OR-4.24, 95% CI: 2.28-7.90) and a wet floor.

Conclusion: The identified risk factors in our study are potentially modifiable. Environmental assessment would help to identify and prevent potential hazards, favouring mobility and safety of the patient.