. Fereshteh Mazharizad; . Sakineh Dadipoor; . Abdoulhhossain Madani; . Ali Safari Moradabadi
Volume 5, Issue 1 , February 2015, , Pages 1-6
Abstract
Background and Purpose of Study: Statistical indices show a growing increase in the elderlypopulation around the world and our country. On the one hand, senior citizens are more exposed ...
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Background and Purpose of Study: Statistical indices show a growing increase in the elderlypopulation around the world and our country. On the one hand, senior citizens are more exposed totragic events than other age groups due to natural physiological changes. Falling down, accidentsand scalds are among the most prevalent deadly events in this age group. Environmental securityis vital in maintaining the elderly’s health. Therefore, the present research was conducted seekingto determine the prevalence and causes of falls among the elderly hospitalized in Bandar Abbashospitals. Methods and Materials: The present research is of a descriptive, cross‑sectionaltype. Research population is comprised of all the elderly patients in Bandar Abbas hospitals.The sample included 300 individuals who were selected according to convenience samplingmethod till the sample was saturated. The instrument used was a questionnaire and the data werealso gathered through interviews. The collected data were later analyzed by SPSS version 16.To analyze the data, descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used along withthe Chi‑squared test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: From among the 300subjects, 47.3% had experienced falls since the age of 60. In 22 of cases, it had led to injury andthey were obliged to visit a doctor. The results of this research revealed that the causes of fallsamong the elderly were respectively: 43.33% of unbalance, 12.3% of poor eyesight, 11.66% ofnon‑existing handles or fences, 12% of slippery ground, 2.66% of insufficient lightning, 8.66% ofunbalance and poor eyesight and 9.33% of other reasons. As the results revealed, a correlationexisted between falls and educational level (P < 0.025). Moreover, a significant correlation wasfound between sex and falls (P < 0.011). A similar significant correlation was also observedbetween the place of residence and falling down (P < 0.045). Conclusion: According to theresearch results, planning to prevent events and traumas among the elderly and securing theirresidential environment is of an essential significance.
