Abstract Introduction Fall-related injuries among older people is a significant public health issue. Method To identify medical, general health and lifestyle factors associated with falls and multiple falls in older persons, a representative sample of people aged 65+ years living in the community in New South Wales (NSW) Australia were surveyed regarding their falls experience, lifestyle and general health. Results One-quarter of respondents indicated they had fallen in the past 12months. People who fell were more likely to be aged 85+ years, have cataracts, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders, major diseases of the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems, use four or more medications, use a mobility aid and be overweight than non-fallers. Individuals aged 85+ years and those who experienced circulatory diseases, used four or more medications and used mobility aids were more likely to experience multiple falls. Discussion This representative population-based survey reinforces the multi-factorial nature of falls and the complex interaction of risk factors that increase the likelihood of individuals having a fall or multiple falls. Agencies focused on community-based fall prevention strategies should adopt a systematic, integrated approach to reduce the burden of fall injury at the population-level and should have mechanisms in place at the population-level to monitor the success of fall reduction strategies.

    Highlights ► Falls are an important cause of serious injury amongst older individuals. ► This study demonstrates the ability to achieve population-level baseline data to monitor the future impact of fall injury reduction strategies ► Reinforces the multi-factorial nature of falls and the complex interaction of fall risk factors and highlights the need for monitoring success of implementation strategies at the population-level. ► Different prevention strategies are needed to address the needs of sub-populations as fall risk factors can differ between single and multiple fallers.


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    Titel :

    Health and lifestyle risk factors for falls in a large population-based sample of older people in Australia


    Beteiligte:
    Mitchell, Rebecca J. (Autor:in) / Watson, Wendy L. (Autor:in) / Milat, Andrew (Autor:in) / Chung, Amy Z.Q. (Autor:in) / Lord, Stephen (Autor:in)

    Erschienen in:

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2012-11-29


    Format / Umfang :

    7 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch






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