[A prospective study on recurrent falls and related factors in elderly from the urban communities in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and risk factors for recurrent falls in community-dwelling elderly in Beijing.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 472 elderly in the Longtan community of Dongcheng district,Beijing in 2009. Data on recurrent falls within the past 12 months were collected through face-to-face interview, with both single factor analysis and logistic regression analysis used to explore the related factors on recurrent falls in the elderly.

RESULTS

The incidence of recurrent falls among 472 older adults was 6.1% (29) within the past 12 months. Results from logistic regression analysis showed that factors as higher family monthly income(OR = 1.39, 95% CI:0.67-2.16), afraid of being fallen(OR = 2.23, 95% CI:1.47-3.85)and abnormal static balance(OR = 2.48, 95% CI:1.84-4.05)were risk factors, while bench height in the surrounding environment(OR = 0.49, 95% CI:0.21-1.12)and easiness of access to daily supplies (OR = 0.41, 95%CI:0.14-1.16)were protective factors for recurrent falls.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of recurrent falls among the elderly from the communities in Beijing was high. Since falls could be caused by various factors, intervention should be targeting on risk factors in a multi-dimensional way.