Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Investigating the prevalence and causes of events leading to falls among the elderly hospitalized in Bandar Abbas hospitals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Fereshteh Mazharizad
. Sakineh Dadipoor 1
. Abdoulhhossain Madani 2
. Ali Safari Moradabadi 3

1 Hormozgan Fertility and Infertility Research Center

2 Department of Public Health, Social Determinants for Health Promotion Research Center, School of Health

3 Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Abstract
Background and Purpose of Study: Statistical indices show a growing increase in the elderly
population around the world and our country. On the one hand, senior citizens are more exposed to
tragic events than other age groups due to natural physiological changes. Falling down, accidents
and scalds are among the most prevalent deadly events in this age group. Environmental security
is vital in maintaining the elderly’s health. Therefore, the present research was conducted seeking
to determine the prevalence and causes of falls among the elderly hospitalized in Bandar Abbas
hospitals. Methods and Materials: The present research is of a descriptive, cross‑sectional
type. Research population is comprised of all the elderly patients in Bandar Abbas hospitals.
The sample included 300 individuals who were selected according to convenience sampling
method till the sample was saturated. The instrument used was a questionnaire and the data were
also 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 with
the Chi‑squared test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: From among the 300
subjects, 47.3% had experienced falls since the age of 60. In 22 of cases, it had led to injury and
they were obliged to visit a doctor. The results of this research revealed that the causes of falls
among the elderly were respectively: 43.33% of unbalance, 12.3% of poor eyesight, 11.66% of
non‑existing handles or fences, 12% of slippery ground, 2.66% of insufficient lightning, 8.66% of
unbalance and poor eyesight and 9.33% of other reasons. As the results revealed, a correlation
existed between falls and educational level (P < 0.025). Moreover, a significant correlation was
found between sex and falls (P < 0.011). A similar significant correlation was also observed
between the place of residence and falling down (P < 0.045). Conclusion: According to the
research results, planning to prevent events and traumas among the elderly and securing their
residential environment is of an essential significance.

Keywords

Bandar Abbas
elderly
events
prevalence
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Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared
Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 5, Issue 1
Winter 2015
Pages 1-6

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