Prevalence and Associated Factors of Fall Risk among Older Adult Patients at the Outpatient Department of Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64960/srimedj.v40i5.265417Keywords:
falls, falling risk, older adult patients, Srinagarind Hospital, outpatientsAbstract
Background and Objectives: Falls among the older adults are a significant issue in Thailand, being the second leading cause of death due to unintentional injuries after road traffic accidents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fall risk and its associated factors among older adult patients at the outpatient department of Srinagarind Hospital in Khon Kaen Province. The findings will provide recommendations for elderly patients and their caregivers on preventing future falls.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 276 older adult patients who visited at the outpatient department of Srinagarind Hospital during office hours in April 2023. Participants were selected using a time-based sampling method. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that consisted of three sections: demographic information, fall risk assessment, and identification of risk factors for falls. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, odds ratios (OR), and multiple logistic regression.
Results: The response rate was 100% (276/276). The majority of participants were female (56.5%). Prevalence of fall risk among older adult patients was 42.40% (95% CI: 36.50%-48.30%). Factors significantly associated with the risk of falls are a history of falls within the past year (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.24-8.30), muscle weakness not related to cerebrovascular disease (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.80-9.16), syncope due to cardiovascular problems (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.20-7.63), diabetes mellitus (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.01-3.48), no living on the first floor of the house (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.04-5.48), and housing characteristics (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25-0.90).
Conclusion: Approximately 4 in 10 older adult outpatients were at risk of falling. The factors significantly associated with this risk include a history of falls within the past year, non-stroke-related muscle weakness, cardiovascular-related syncope, diabetes mellitus, living on the first floor of the house, and housing characteristics.
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