بررسي شيوع زمين افتادن و ارتباط آن با بيماريهاي مزمن در سالمندان شهر خرم آباد

Assessing the prevalence of fallings and their relation with chronic conditions for older people living in Khoramabad, Iran

Background and Aim: At present, a high percent of older adults (86%), have at least one chronic conditions and functional decline caused by them could increase falling that leads to functional decline and psychosocial consequences. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fallings in older adults and itʹs relation with chronic conditions in Khoramabad. Materials and Methods: The sample size of this cross-sectional study was 400 people aged 60 or older, living in Khoramabad in 2007. Sampling was done by multi-stage clustering method. The structured questionnaire was applied for data collection; contains demographic data, having chronic conditions and falling in recent year and was completed by reporter. Data was analyzed using SPSS 15 using descriptive statistics, Chi- square test and Mann- Whitney test. Results: The prevalence of falling for older people living in Khoramabad was 24.8%. In the other words, one out of four experiences a fall during a year. The findings suggested that the most common chronic diseases in Khoramabadian elders were arthritis, vision impairments (glasses) and hypertension respectively. Also, we found chronic conditions such as arthritis, stroke, vision impairments (glasses), disorientation, depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (urinary and fecal) incontinence increase the risk of falling. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that the effects of chronic diseases can increase the risk of falling. At last, modifying environment according with physical and mental status, using suitable assisted devices, cognition of older people that may be at risk, using hip protectors, family/patient education about strategies of preventing of falls and the ways of decreasing risk of falling are important. Also community based social services should be provided.