Prevalence and factors associated with falls among older persons in Malaysia
- 28 December 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Geriatrics & Gerontology International
- Vol. 20 (S2), 33-37
- https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.13980
Abstract
Aim Falls are a common problem among older people, leading to major morbidity and increased mortality. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of falls among older persons in Malaysia and its associated factors. Methods Data were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 (NHMS 2018), a cross‐sectional study using stratified cluster sampling design. Older persons were defined as aged ≥60 years in this study. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Results Overall, 14.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.46, 15.84) of older persons reported having experienced at least one fall during the past 12 months. Univariate analyses revealed an association between the history of falls with not being employed (odds ratio [OR]: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.77]), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.33, 2.04]), limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) (OR: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.43, 2.54]) or instrumental ADL (OR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.84]). Multiple logistic regression revealed that falls were positively associated with those who had diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.23, 1.94]) and limitation in ADL (OR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.14, 2.15]); 43.9% of falls occurred outdoors. Conclusion One in six older Malaysian people experience at least one fall over a 12‐month period. Diabetes mellitus and limitation in ADL were the factors associated with falls among older persons. A comprehensive and targeted program designed to reduce risk of falls is urgently needed. Future research should identify suitable programs for our setting to reduce the potential society burden of falls in older Malaysians. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 33–37.Keywords
Funding Information
- Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (NMRR‐17‐2655‐39047)
This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit:
- Risk factors associated with falls in elderly patients with type 2 diabetesJournal of Diabetes and its Complications, 2015
- Predictors of Injurious Falls and Fear of Falling DifferJournal of Aging and Health, 2014
- Disease burden evaluation of fall-related events in the elderly due to hypoglycemia and other diabetic complications: a clinical reviewClinical Epidemiology, 2014
- The prevalence of physical activity and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011Public Health, 2014
- Association between musculoskeletal pain and trips or falls in rural Japanese community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional studyGeriatrics & Gerontology International, 2014
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Staging as a Possible Clinical Tool for Falls Risk Assessment in Physical Medicine and RehabilitationPM&R, 2013
- Risk factors for falls among older adults: A review of the literatureMaturitas, 2013
- Prevalence of Falls and Its Associated Factors among Elderly Diabetes in a Tertiary Center, MalaysiaCurrent Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2012
- Indoor and Outdoor Falls in Older Adults Are Different: The Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly of Boston StudyJournal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2010
- Standardizing Assessment of Elderly People in Acute Care: The interRAI Acute Care InstrumentJournal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2008