Falls and fall prevention programmes in developing countries: environmental scan for the adaptation of the Canadian Falls prevention curriculum for developing countries.

PROBLEM: Falls in older persons in developing countries are poorly understood, and falls prevention and health promotion programmes for this population are largely lacking. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out of relevant literature on falls and prevention programmes, and falls prevention education, and a scan undertaken of health promotion programmes for older persons in a representative country - South Africa. RESULTS: Studies on the risk and prevalence of falls are largely retrospective and hospital-based, with varied methodology, including study period, sampling method and sample size. Falls prevalence is based largely on self-reports in studies on general trauma in all age groups. Falls incidence varies from 10.1% to 54%. No reports could be traced on sustained falls prevention or health promotion programmes. CONCLUSION: Scant research has been conducted and little preventive education offered on falls in older persons. Adaptation of the Canadian Falls Prevention Curriculum for developing countries will help to fill gaps in knowledge and practice. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: With rapid increase in the populations of older persons in developing countries, research on age related disorders such as falls is required to guide policy and management of falls.