Health status and fall-related factors among older Korean women: implications for nurses.

This study investigated three aspects of health status (physical, psychological, social), fall experiences, and contributing factors to falls among 226 community-dwelling Korean women older than age 65. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and logistic regression. Four factors were statistically significant regarding falls: equilibrium impairment, gait disturbance, mobility in chair, and number of chronic diseases. Falls efficacy and equilibrium impairment were predicting factors for falls. Older women in rural areas are undertreated and have a high risk of experiencing falls and fall-related injuries. Nurses are on the front line in that they represent the initial level of care.