The Prevalence of Falls and Associated Factors in Older Adults of the Torres Strait

Overview

Journal Australas J Ageing

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2024 Oct 27

PMID 39462242

Authors

Roselani Henry

Betty Sagigi

Gavin Miller

Sarah G Russell

Fintan Thompson

Rachel Quigley

Edward Strivens

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of falls and examine associations between falls and potential risk factors in older adults of the Torres Strait Region of Australia.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty people aged ≥45 years residing in the Torres Strait, who identified as Torres Strait Islander, Aboriginal or both, were asked whether they had sustained any falls in the past year. Associations between self-reported falls and predictor variables were examined using logistic regression.

Results: 21% of participants reported at least one fall; 9% reported ≥2 falls. Participants who reported any falls in the past year were more than twice as likely to have urinary incontinence and poor mobility (p < .01) compared to participants who did not report any falls.

Conclusions: Around one in five respondents reported one or more falls in the past year, demonstrating that falls are a significant issue for older adults of the Torres Strait. Fall prevention strategies that are effective in other populations are likely to be beneficial to the region but need to be informed by local consultation and implemented in partnership with the people of the Torres Strait.

Citing Articles

The prevalence of falls and associated factors in older adults of the Torres Strait.

Henry R, Sagigi B, Miller G, Russell S, Thompson F, Quigley R Australas J Ageing. 2024; 44(1):e13383.

PMID: 39462242 PMC: 11752826. DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13383.

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