Period prevalence, risk factors and consequent injuries of falling among the Saudi elderly living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Faisal Yousef Almegbel, Ibrahim Muthyib Alotaibi, Faisal Ahmed Alhusain, Emad M Masuadi, Salma Lafyan Al Sulami, Amairah Fahad Aloushan, Bashayer Ibrahim Almuqbil, Faisal Yousef Almegbel, Ibrahim Muthyib Alotaibi, Faisal Ahmed Alhusain, Emad M Masuadi, Salma Lafyan Al Sulami, Amairah Fahad Aloushan, Bashayer Ibrahim Almuqbil

Abstract

Objectives: Approximately 28% to 35% of people aged 65 and over fall each year. The consequent injuries of falls are considered a major public health problem. Falls account for more than half of injury-related hospitalisations among old people. The aim of this study was to measure a 1-year period prevalence of falling among old people in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition, this study described the most common risk factors and consequent injuries of falls.

Setting and participants: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Riyadh, using a convenient sampling. The targeted population were Saudi citizens who were 60 years or above. Over a 6-month period, 1182 individuals were sampled (545 men and 637 women).

Results: The 1-year prevalence of falling among old Saudis (>=60 years) was 49.9%. Our results show that 74% of the participants who experienced falls had postfall injuries. Old participants who were uneducated and those with middle school certification were associated with falls (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.72; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.56, aOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.85, respectively). Those who live in rented houses had a higher risk of falls. Interestingly, having a caregiver was significantly associated with more falls (aOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.79). However, not using any medications was significantly related to fewer falls. In addition, old individuals using walking aids were more likely to fall than those who did not. Participants who mentioned 'not having stressors were associated with less frequent falls (aOR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.97). Cerebrovascular accidents were strongly associated with falls with an estimated OR of 2.75 (95% CI 1.18 to 6.43). Moreover, osteoporosis, poor vision and back pain were found to be predictors for falls among the elderly.

Conclusion: 49.9% of elderly Saudis had experienced one or more falls during a 12-month period. Several preventable risk factors could be addressed by routine geriatric assessment. Research on the impact of these risk factors is needed.

Keywords: falls; geriatric medicine; risk factors; saudi arabia.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consequent injuries of falling among elderly Saudis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Prevalence of diseases and conditions among elderly Saudis who experienced falls and the relation with falling among the Saudi elderly. (P is from the univariate logistic regression analysis). CAD, coronary artery disease; CVA, cerebrovascular accident.

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