Temporal trends and the association between self-rated oral health and falls in community-dwelling older adults in South Korea: a secondary analysis of survey data.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine temporal trends and the association between falls and self-rated oral health (SROH) status in community-dwelling older Korean adults. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a serial cross-sectional study. METHODS: We analysed biennial data from 314 846 older adults in South Korea from 2011 to 2019 using data from the Korea Community Health Survey. Self-reported fall experience data came from the injury questionnaire question, 'Have you fallen in the past year (slipping, tripping, stumbling and falling)?'. For SROH, the participants were asked, 'How do you feel about your oral health, such as teeth and gums, in your own opinion?'. The association between SROH and falls was examined using a weighted multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health status and behaviours, and psychological factors. RESULTS: Those who reported poor SROH had a lower declining slope than the other groups, although all groups showed a significantly decreasing trend in both men and women from 2011 to 2019 (p for trend<0.001). Older adults who reported having poor SROH had a more significant history of fall accidents than the good SROH groups, controlling for potential confounding variables (adjusted OR 1.16 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.21) in men; adjusted OR 1.17 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.21) in women). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with poor SROH, especially women, had more fall accidents, making them a priority target for fall prevention strategies. This study suggests considering SROH status when identifying fall risk factors in community-dwelling older adults.

Prevalencia de caídas en pacientes ingresados en un hospital universitario / Prevalence of falls in patients admitted to a University Hospital

Objetivo: analizar la prevalencia de caídas de los pacientes hos­pitalizados en un hospital universitario, así como los factores asociados con la asistencia sanitaria (motivos de las caídas, especialidad más prevalente, turno más frecuente, si estaban solos o acompañados, etc.) en los pacientes que se cayeron y las posibles consecuencias de las caídas. Métodos: estudio transversal. Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes adultos ingresados en 20 unidades de hospitalización del Hospital Universitario de Burgos, que habían sufrido una caída en 2019 y estaban incluidos en el registro de caídas del programa GACELA Care®. El formulario consta de 28 campos de en­trada de datos, que aportan información relevante sobre la caída. Se llevó a cabo análisis descriptivo y comparativo, usando los test estadísticos correspondientes. Resultados: se registraron 244 caídas (0,9%). La edad media fue 73,3 años. El 54,4% tenía edad igual o mayor a 75 años. El 57,8% era del sexo masculino. En Medicina Interna (29,1%) y Psiquiatría (11,1%) se registró el mayor porcentaje de caídas. El 44,2% se produjo en turno de noche, en pacientes que estaban solos (71,7%), sin protecciones (70,5%); y deambulando (36,1%). El motivo principal fue la inestabilidad motora (48,4%). El 62,7% de los pacientes resultó ileso. La especialidad y el turno de trabajo se asociaron significativamente con las caídas. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de caídas en el hospital fue baja. Los factores que se relacionaron con mayor porcentaje de caídas fueron ser mayor de 75 años, sexo masculino, estar ingresado en unidades de especialidad médica y turno de noche. Las caídas ocurrieron habitualmente cuando el paciente estaba solo, sin protección, al levantarse y caminar. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentó lesiones.(AU)

Objective: to analyse the prevalence of falls in patients admitted to a University Hospital, as well as to identify the characteristics of those patients who experienced falls, the factors associated with patient care (reasons for falls, the most prevalent specialty, the most frequent shift, whether they were alone or accompanied, etc.) among patients who fell down, and the potential consequences of said falls. Methods: a cross-sectional study, including all adult patients admitted to 20 hospitalization units from the Hospital Universitario de Burgos, who had experienced a fall in 2019 and were included in the register of falls from the GACELA Care® program. The form consisted of 28 data entry fields, and included information about date, time and place of the fall; reasons for falls; consequences of falls, and action by professionals. Descriptive and comparative analysis was conducted, using the relevant statistical tests. Results: in total, 244 (0.9%) falls were registered. The mean age was 73.3 years; 57.8% were male. The highest proportion of falls was recorded at Internal Medicine (29.1%) and Psychiatry (11.1%); 44.2% occurred during the night shift, in patients who were alone (71.7%); without protections (70.5%); and walking around (36.1%). The main reason was motor instability (48,4%); 62.7% of patients remained unharmed. There was a significant association between specialty and work shift and falls. Conclusions: there was a low prevalence of falls in the hospital. The factors associated with a higher proportion of falls were being >75-year-old, male gender, being admitted to medical specialty units, and night shift. Falls commonly occurred when the patient was alone, without protection, when getting up and walking. Most patients did not present any lesions.(AU)

Perceived balance and self-reported falls: A retrospective cross-sectional study using the National Health and Aging Trend Study.

AIMS: To examine how perceived balance problems are associated with self-reported falls in the past month after controlling for known correlates of falls among older adults. BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of adults age 65 and older fall each year. Most accidental falls are preventable, and older adults' engagement in fall prevention is imperative. Limited research suggest that older adults do not use the term 'fall risk' to describe their risk for falls. Instead, they commonly use the term 'balance problems'. Yet, commonly used fall risk assessment tools in both primary and acute care do not assess older adults' perceived balance. DESIGN AND METHOD: The Health Belief Model and the concept of perceived susceptibility served as the theoretical framework. A retrospective, cross-sectional secondary analysis using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study from year 2015 was conducted. The outcome variable was self-reported falls in the last month. RESULTS: A subsample of independently living participants (N = 7499) was selected, and 10.3% of the sample reported a fall. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of reporting a fall in the past month was 3.4 times (p < .001) greater for participants who self-reported having a balance problem compared to those who did not. In contrast, fear of falling and perceived memory problems were not uniquely associated with falls. Using a mobility device, reporting pain, poor self-rated health status, depression and anxiety scores were also associated with falling. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Older adults' perceived balance problem is strongly associated with their fall risk. Perceived balance may be important to discuss with older adults to increase identification of fall risk. Older adults' perceived balance should be included in nursing fall risk assessments and fall prevention interventions. A focus on balance may increase older adults' engagement in fall prevention.

Cyclist's travel distances and risk of falls in snowy and icy conditions in German cities.

INTRODUCTION: So far, no studies are known that estimate distance-based risks for cyclist falls in snowy/icy conditions compared to other conditions to account for differences in cycling levels in the different weather situations. METHOD: The number of cyclist falls was gathered from retrospective surveys in Germany. Cycling distances were obtained from the German Household Travel Survey "Mobility in cities - SrV," assigned to meteorological data, and validated against counts and own surveys. The number of falls per distance cycled and Risk Ratios for snowy/icy versus other weather conditions were estimated. RESULTS: An average decrease of 53% in the distance travelled per person and day is estimated for snowy/icy days versus other days. This decrease is lower in regions with higher general cycling mode shares. We find average risks of falls from 9.5 to 16 (field surveys) up to 76.5 falls per 10,000 km (online survey) and average Risk Ratios for cycling in snowy/icy conditions of 20 (field survey conducted in times of other weather) to 36 (field survey conducted in times of snow/ice) and 38 (online survey conducted in times of snow/ice). The risk of suffering an injury in the event of a fall is lower in snowy/icy compared to other weather conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Seeing the current trend of growing general cycling levels in Germany, we expect more cycling in winter and, in case of unchanged winter weather and maintenance, a substantial increase of cyclist falls. The reduced risk of being injured in the event of a fall in snowy/icy conditions does not outweigh the higher risk of falling in the first place. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Improved winter maintenance on cycling facilities can help increase winter cycling and reduce the risk of falls at the same time.

Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 y el confinamiento estricto de la población en la incidencia de fractura de cadera en España. Una revisión sistemática / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict population confinement on hip fracture incidence in Spain: A systematic review

Antecedentes y objetivo Durante la pandemia por COVID-19, en España se decretó un confinamiento estricto de la población. Ante una situación de crisis sanitaria y de saturación del sistema sanitario resulta de gran importancia para la correcta gestión de recursos y de procesos el conocimiento de las enfermedades cuyo tratamiento no es demorable. El objetivo fue conocer la influencia de la pandemia por COVID-19 y del confinamiento estricto de la población en la incidencia de fractura de cadera en España. Material y método Revisión sistemática siguiendo las guías PRISMA. Búsqueda en Pubmed y Cochrane Library el 11/11/2022: hip fracture AND COVID-19 AND Spain. Resultados Cumplieron los criterios de inclusión 6 estudios, el 50% mostraron un descenso en la incidencia de fracturas de cadera durante el confinamiento estricto (todos en hospitales de la Comunidad de Madrid), y en el otro 50% no hubo diferencias (todos en hospitales de otras comunidades autónomas). Es constante que las fracturas de cadera, o no disminuyeron, o disminuyeron mucho menos que el resto de fracturas durante el período de confinamiento estricto de la población, aumentando su número relativo respecto al total de ingresos en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología. Conclusiones El comportamiento del número de fracturas de cadera durante el confinamiento estricto decretado por la pandemia por COVID-19 no ha sido simétrico en todas las comunidades autónomas. Para diseñar e implementar los planes de contingencia ante una situación de pandemia con adecuada organización de los recursos materiales y de personal, deben ser tenidos en cuenta estos datos (AU)

Background and objectivo During the COVID-19 pandemic, a strict population confinement was decreed in Spain. In a situation of health crisis and health system saturation, knowledge of pathologies whose treatment cannot be delayed is of great importance for the correct management of resources and processes. The objective was to determine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict population confinement on hip fracture incidence in Spain. Material and method Systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Search in Pubmed and Chocrane Library on 11/11/2022: hip fracture and COVID-19 and Spain Results Six studies met the inclusion criteria, 50% showed a decrease in the hip fractures incidence during strict population confinement (all in Comunidad de Madrid hospitals), and in the other 50% there were no differences (all in other region hospitals). It was constant that hip fractures, either did not decrease, or decreased much less than the rest of fractures during the period of strict population confinement, increasing their relative number with respect to the total admissions in orthopedic surgery and traumatology. Conclusions The behavior of the hip fractures number during the strict population confinement decreed by the COVID-19 pandemic has not been symmetrical in all regions. To design and implement contingency plans in the event of a pandemic situation, these data must be taken into account in order to properly plan material and human resources (AU)

Prevalent falls, fall frequencies and health-related quality of life among community-dwelling older Chinese adults.

PURPOSE: Fall is a serious health hazard to older adults. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between falls and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in mainland China. METHODS: Data from 4579 Chinese community-dwelling older adults was analyzed. Data of falls was self-reported by participants, the HRQOL of older adults was measured by the 3-Level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L, 3L). Regression models were built to explore the associations of falls (experience and frequency) with the 3L data (index score, EQ-VAS score and health problems). The potential interaction effects between falls and gender on HRQOL were assessed using a likelihood ratio test, sex-stratified analysis was also performed to separately investigate the associations in men and women. RESULTS: A total of 368 (8.0%) participants had the experience of fall during the last year. Falls (experience and frequency) were significantly related to EQ-5D-3L index and EQ-VAS scores, fall experience contributed to pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression problems, while fall frequency was associated with physical-related problems and pain/discomfort. Significant interactions between falls and sex in several EQ-5D measures were also observed, and men had lager magnitude of associations than women. CONCLUSION: Falls were negative associated with overall HRQOL as well as separate HRQOL dimensions among older adults. It also appears that the HRQOL influence on older men is more evident than older women.

Effectiveness of exercise on fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults: a 2-year randomized controlled study of 914 women.

BACKGROUND: Communal exercise interventions may help prevent falls and injuries. However, pragmatic trials demonstrating the effectiveness of such strategies are sparse. METHODS: We determined whether a cost-free 12-month admission to the city's recreational sports facilities including initial 6 months of supervised weekly gym and Tai Chi sessions decreases the number of falls and related injuries. The mean (SD) follow-up time was 22·6 (4.8) months in 2016-19. A total of 914 women from a population-based sample with a mean age of 76.5 (SD 3.3, range 71.1-84.8) years were randomized into exercise intervention (n = 457) and control (n = 457) groups. Fall information was collected through biweekly short message (SMS) queries and fall diaries. Altogether 1,380 falls were recorded for the intention-to-treat analysis, with 1,281 (92.8%) being verified by telephone. RESULTS: A 14.3% fall rate reduction was detected in the exercise group (Incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.86; CI 95% 0.77-0.95) compared with the control group. Approximately half of the falls caused moderate (n = 678, 52.8%) or severe (n = 61, 4.8%) injury. In total, 13.2% (n = 166) of falls (including 73 fractures) required medical consultation with a 38% lower fracture rate in the exercise group (IRR = 0.62; CI 95% 0.39-0.99). Overall, the greatest reduction of 41% (IRR = 0.59; CI 95% 0.36-0.99) was observed in falls with severe injury and pain. CONCLUSIONS: A community-based approach for a 6-month exercise period combined with a 12-month free use of sports premises can reduce falls, fractures and other fall-related injuries in aging women.

Association of Hearing Status and Cognition With Fall Among the Oldest-Old Chinese: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The oldest-old (aged ≥80 years) are the most rapidly growing population and age is related to hearing impairment (HI) and cognitive decline. We aimed to estimate the association between HI and fall, and the effect of different cognitive states on this association among the oldest-old Chinese population. DESIGN: A total of 6931 Chinese oldest-old were included in the 2018 cross-cohort from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The presence of HI was identified by using a dichotomized metric of self-reported hearing status. Cognitive function was evaluated by using the modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Cognitive impairment was defined as the MMSE score below 24 points. Data on fall history were collected by questionnaires survey from the participants or their relatives. We studied the association of hearing status and cognitive function with fall by using multivariable logistic regressions, upon adjustment of sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, and health conditions. RESULTS: Our participants were aged 92 (range 80 to 117) on average, with 60.1% being women. In total, 39.1% of the participants had reported HI, 50.1% had cognitive impairment, and 26.2% had a history of falling. Participants with HI had a higher incidence of cognitive impairment (79.4%), as compared with their counterparts without HI (31.3%). Compared with those without HI, HI patients had a higher risk of falling after full adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 1.16 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.01, 1.32], p = 0.031). In comparison with HI participants without cognitive impairment, HI patients with cognitive impairment had a higher fall risk (OR = 1.45 [95% CI = 1.23, 1.72], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Association of hearing status and cognition with fall was, for the first time, examined on the basis of a nationally-representative oldest-old Chinese population. Poor cognitive performance was common in individuals with HI, and those with HI and cognitive impairment further increased the risk of falling.

Costs and Survival of Patients having Experienced a Hospitalized Fall-Related Injury in France: A Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the annual costs 2 years before and 2 years after a hospitalized fall-related injury (HFRI) and the 2-year survival among the population 75+ years old. DESIGN: We performed a population-based, retrospective cohort study using the French national health insurance claims database. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients 75+ years old who had experienced a fall followed by hospitalization, identified using an algorithm based on International Classification of Diseases codes. Data related to a non-HFRI population matched on the basis of age, sex, and geographical area were also extracted. METHODS: Cost analyses were performed from a health insurance perspective and included direct costs. Survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression. Descriptive analyses of costs and regression modeling were carried out. Both regression models for costs and on survival were adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 1495 patients with HFRI and 4484 non-HFRI patients were identified. Patients with HFRI were more comorbid than the non-HFRI patients over the entire periods, particularly in the year before and the year after the HFRI. Patients with HFRI have significantly worse survival probabilities, with an adjusted 2.14-times greater risk of death over 2-year follow-up and heterogeneous effects determined by sex. The annual incremental costs between patients with HFRI and non-HFRI individuals were €1294 and €2378, respectively, 2 and 1 year before the HFRI, and €11,796 and €1659, respectively, 1 and 2 years after the HFRI. The main cost components differ according to the periods and are mainly accounted for by paramedical acts, hospitalizations, and drug costs. When fully adjusted, the year before the HFRI and the year after the HFRI are associated with increase in costs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We have provided real-world estimates of the cost and the survival associated with patients with HFRI. Our results highlight the urgent need to manage patients with HFRI at an early stage to reduce the significant mortality as well as substantial additional cost management. Special attention must be paid to the fall-related increasing drugs and to optimizing management of comorbidities.

Mechanisms of traumatic injury by demographic characteristics: an 8-year review of temporal trends from the National Trauma Data Bank.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This 8-year retrospective study of the National Trauma Data Bank describes temporal trends of traumatic injury by mechanism of injury (MOI) by demographic characteristics from 2012 to 2019 for adult patients 18 years and older. METHODS: Overall, 5 630 461 records were included after excluding those with missing demographic information and International Classification of Disease codes. MOIs were calculated as proportions of total injury by year. Temporal trends of MOI were evaluated using two-sided non-parametric Mann-Kendall trend tests for (1) all patients and (2) within racial and ethnic groups (ie, Asian, 2% of total patient sample; Black, 14%; Hispanic or Latino, 10%; Multiracial, 3%; Native American, <1%; Pacific Islander, <1%; White, 69%) and stratified by age and sex. RESULTS/OUTCOMES: For all patients, falls increased over time (p=0.001), whereas burn (p<0.01), cut/pierce (p<0.01), cyclist (p=0.01), machinery (p<0.001), motor vehicle transport (MVT) motorcyclist (p<0.001), MVT occupant (p<0.001) and other blunt trauma (p=0.03) injuries decreased over time. The proportion of falls increased across all racial and ethnic groups and significantly for those aged 65 and older. There were further differences in decreasing trends of MOI by racial and ethnic categories and by age groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that falls are an important injury prevention target with an ageing US population across all racial and ethnic groups. Differing injury profiles by racial and ethnic identity indicate that injury prevention efforts be designed accordingly and targeted specifically to individuals most at risk for specific MOIs. STUDY TYPE: Level I, prognostic/epidemiological.

Falls leading to fracture and nutrition among older adults: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Injurious falls, especially those leading to bone fracture, are major causes of death and disability among older people. Our aim was to measure the association of nutritional factors and physical activity with falls leading to fracture among Iranian older adults. METHODS: This is the second phase of a previously published case-control study on 300 patients and 590 controls. RESULTS: In addition to the socio-economic factors that were reported before, our results revealed that consumption of fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts reduced the risk of falling, whereas consumption of cheese, red meat, and sweets raised the risk of falls among the participants. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggested that diets rich in fish meat fruits and vegetables should be encouraged in the everyday life of older adults. We suggest health officials to take these important results into consideration when planning protective measures.

What Tools Can We Use to Screen for Fall Risk in Older Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment? Findings from the MEMENTO Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Identifying risk factors for falls can improve outcomes in older patients without cognitive decline. Yet this has not been demonstrated in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We therefore sought to better identify risk factors for falls in this particular group. DESIGN: The analysis was conducted on the MEMENTO cohort, which is a large, French, prospective cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We included older people (>65 years old) with MCI (defined from neuropsychological scores) and a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score at baseline. METHODS: Fallers were defined as participants having fallen at least once during the study's 2-year follow-up period. We compared clinical, neuropsychological, and biological data at baseline in fallers vs nonfallers. Additional analyses were performed on the following subgroups: women, men, people aged ≥75 years. RESULTS: Of the 1416 people included in our study, 194 (13.5%) fell at least once. A bivariate analysis showed that fallers were older, predominantly women, less independent in activities of daily living, and more apathetic. Fallers performed less well in executive function, balance, and gait tests. In a multivariable analysis, only age, gender, the number of limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, and living alone were significantly associated with falls. In a multivariable analysis of the subgroup of oldest patients and of the subgroup of men, executive function was significantly worse in fallers than in nonfallers. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results demonstrate that easily attainable risk factors can be used to identify individuals with MCI with a higher risk of falls and for whom prevention could be beneficial. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the role of mild executive dysfunction in certain subgroups, such as men and oldest patients.

Quedas entre pacientes internados em um hospital público e de ensino: uma análise das notificações / Falls of patients admitted to a public and teaching hospital: an analysis of notifications / Caídas en pacientes ingresados en un hospital público y docente: análisis de las no-tificaciones

Objetivo: descrever o perfil das quedas notificadas de pacientes internados em um hospital público e de ensino. Método: estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, com análise estatística descritiva, inferencial e de correspondência múltipla dos dados de notificações do aplicativo Vigilância em Saúde e Gestão de Riscos Assistenciais Hospitalares sobre quedas de pacientes internados entre 2017 e 2019. Resultados: predominaram, dentre 153 notificações de quedas no período, as ocorridas no quarto, em unidades de atendimento cirúrgico, emergencial e clínico, sofridas por pacientes do sexo masculino, na faixa etária entre 20 e 59 anos. Nesta, destacaram-se os idosos. A abrasão foi o dano mais relatado. A análise de correspondência múltipla não apresentou significância. Conclusão: a análise dos eventos notificados contribuiu para o planejamento e a implantação do Programa Fall Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety Brasil para aprimoramento da gestão dos riscos relacionados.(AU)

Objective: to describe the profile of reported falls of patients admitted to a public and teaching hospital. Method: descriptive and retrospective study, with descriptive, inferential, and multiple correspondence statistical analysis of notification data from the Health Surveillance and Hospital Care Risk Management app on falls of hospitalized patients between 2017 and 2019. Results: predominated, among 153 notifications of falls in the period, those occurring in the ward, in surgical, emergency, and clinical care units, suffered by male patients, aged between 20 and 59 years. In this, the elderly stood out. Abrasion was the most reported harm. Multiple correspondence analysis did not show significance. Conclusion: the analysis of reported events contributed to the planning and implementation of the Fall Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety Program in Brazil to improve the management of related risks.(AU)

Objetivo: describir el perfil de las caídas de pacientes internados reportadas en un hospital público y de enseñanza. Método: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, con análisis estadístico descriptivo, inferencial y análisis de correspondencias múltiples de datos de notificación de la aplicación Vigilancia en Salud y Gestión de Riesgos de Atención Hospitalaria sobre caídas de pacientes hospitalizados entre 2017 y 2019. Resultados: predominó, entre 153 notificaciones de caídas en el período, las ocurridas en el dormitorio, en unidades quirúrgicas, de emergencia y de atención clínica, sufridos por pacientes del sexo masculino, con edades entre 20 y 59 años. En este último, se destacaron los adultos mayores. La abrasión fue el daño más reportado. El análisis de correspondencia múltiple no mostró significación. Conclusión: el análisis de los eventos notificados contribuyó para la planificación e implementación del Programa Fall Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety en Brasil para mejorar la gestión de sus riesgos re-lacionados.(AU

Short report: relationship between self-reported sleep characteristics and falls-associated fractures in elderly individuals: a population-based study.

Currently, the data for effect of sleep on falls-associated fractures in elderly individuals are still limited. This current study was aimed to assess the link between self-reported sleep characteristics and falls-associated fractures in elderly individuals. This study included a total of 20,497 participants from National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008, and 6,174 participants aged 45 years and older were identified. Self-reported sleep characteristics and conditions of falls-associated fractures of individuals were obtained via the method of personal questionnaires. In a total of 610 participants with exact history of fractures, 168 individuals with falls-associated fractures were identified, and the prevalence was 27.5%. The mean age of falls-associated fractures group was (72.1 ± 8.8) years, and the female (P < 0.001) occupied a higher proportion. Factors of living alone (P = 0.003), combined with hypertension (P = 0.003) and osteoporosis (P < 0.001), sleeping less or more (P = 0.009), and frequent snoring (P = 0.007) were linked to falls-associated fractures. Compared with sleep duration of 6 to 8 h/night, sleep duration of ≤4 h/night (odds ratio [OR] 1.858, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.115-3.094) and of ≥9 h/night (OR 1.932, 95% CI 1.195-3.123) were related to an increased risk of falls-associated fractures. Collectively, our nationwide data noted that sleep characteristics were closely related to falls-associated fractures in elderly individuals, and a longer sleep duration may exhibit a protective effect against the falls-associated fractures, but it should be limited within 9 h/night.

Caídas en personas mayores: más allá de lo biomédico / Falls in elderly people: beyond the biomedical

Objetivo: Analizar factores subjetivos, sociales y culturales asociados al riesgo de caídas y su relación con el estado de funcionalidad de personas mayores de la Región de la Araucanía en Chile. Metodología: Estudio observacional, con diseño secuencial, DEXPLIS, CUANCUAL, de predominio cualitativo. Resultados: Se observa que los factores subjetivos, sociales y culturales de riesgo de caídas se encuentran en permanente interacción y se influyen mutuamente. En el discurso de los sujetos, destacan las macrocategorías desconocimiento corporal, condición socioeconómica y deterioro biológico, que se vinculan con sentimientos de soledad y abandono, quiebres emocionales, transiciones complejas de la vida, sentimientos de miedo, negación a aceptar y reconocer los cambios de la vejez, presentar mala condición de salud, sentirse discriminado por ser mayor y descuido en relación con su corporalidad, que favorecen una mirada y una vivencia de la vejez como un período de deterioro y de pérdidas a nivel físico, cognitivo y social (vejez patológica). Desde el paradigma biocapitalista, la situación se ve fortalecida por el predominio del paradigma biomédico, que normaliza las caídas como parte de la vejez. Conclusiones: Se identifican dos tipos de sujetos sociales en proceso de envejecimiento: por una parte, los que sostienen una concepción sociocultural del envejecimiento desde una mirada biocapitalista, influenciada por el modelo biomédico predominante, tienden a relacionar las patologías como parte constitutiva de la vejez, incluyendo dentro de estos síntomas las caídas; por otra parte, los sujetos críticos de este discurso, que presentan un alto autoconocimiento corporal, aceptación de cambios biológicos y relacionan esta etapa con un envejecimiento saludable (AU)

Objective: To analyze subjective, social, and cultural factors associated with the risk of falls and their relationship with the functional status of older people in the Araucanía Region in Chile. Methodology: an observational study, with sequential design, DEXPLIS, QUAN-QUAL, of qualitative predominance. Results: It is observed that the subjective, social and cultural risk factors for falls are in permanent interaction and influence each other. In the subjects’ discourse, the macro-categories of bodily ignorance, socioeconomic condition, and biological deterioration stand out, linked to feelings of loneliness and abandonment, emotional breakdowns, complex life transitions, fear, and refusal to recognize life changes. Old age, presenting poor health, feeling discriminated against for being older and, neglect concerning their corporality, favors a view and experience of old age as a period of deterioration and losses at a physical, cognitive and social level (pathological old age). From the biocapitalist paradigm, the situation is strengthened by the predominance of the biomedical paradigm, which normalizes falls as part of old age. Conclusions: Two types of social subjects in the aging process are identified. On the one hand, those who hold a sociocultural conception of aging from a biocapitalist perspective, influenced by the predominant biomedical model, tend to relate pathologies as a constitutive part of old age, including within these symptoms fall. On the other hand, critical subjects of this discourse show high body self-awareness, acceptance of biological changes and relate this stage to healthy aging (AU)

Quedas e fatores associados entre idosos atendidos em uma clínica escola: um estudo de coorte / Falls and associated factors among elderly people assisted in a school clinic: a cohort study / Caídas y factores asociados en ancianos atendidos en una clínica escolar: un estudio de cohortes

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência, a incidência e os fatores associados a quedas entre idosos atendidos em uma clínica escola. Método: O estudo foi dividido em dois componentes, sendo o seguimento transversal de agosto de 2016 a novembro de 2018 (n=129), e o de coorte de agosto de 2018 a novembro de 2018 (n=66). Realizaram-se análises estatísticas, a partir da Regressão Múltipla de Poisson, entre o desfecho e as ca- racterísticas sociodemográficas e de saúde. Resultados: A prevalência e a incidência de quedas foram de 44,2% e 36,4%, respectivamente. Na análise de regressão múltipla de Poisson do estudo transversal, as variáveis sintomas dispépticos, baixos valores no teste Time Up and Go e ter hipertensão foram associadas com a variável queda. No estudo de coorte, a análise reforçou associação entre não ser ex-etilista e ter constipação. Conclu- são: Considera-se elevada a prevalência e incidência de quedas entre os idosos avaliados, e ressalta-se a necessidade de identificação de grupos mais susceptíveis a esse desfecho. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Acidentes por Quedas; Sarcopenia; Fragilidade; Incidência; Fatores de Risco.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, incidence and factors associated with falls among elderly people attended at a teaching clinic. Method: The study was divided into two components, the cross-sectional follow-up from August 2016 to November 2018 (n=129), and the cohort from August 2018 to November 2018 (n=66). Statistical analyzes were carried out, based on Multiple Poisson Regression, between the outcome and sociodemographic and health characteristics. Results: The prevalence and incidence of falls were 44.2% and 36.4%, respectively. In Poisson's multiple regression analysis of the cross-sectional study, the variables dyspeptic symptoms, low values in the Time Up and Go test and having hypertension were associated with the variable fall. In the cohort study, the analysis reinforced the association between not being an ex-alcoholic and having constipation. Conclusion: The prevalence and incidence of falls among the elderly evaluated is considered high, and the need to identify groups more susceptible to this outcome is emphasized.

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia, incidencia y factores asociados a las caídas entre ancianos atendidos en una clínica docente. Método: El estudio se dividió en dos componentes, el seguimiento transversal de agosto de 2016 a noviembre de 2018 (n=129), y la cohorte de agosto de 2018 a noviembre de 2018 (n=66). Se realizaron análisis estadísticos, basados en Regresión Múltiple de Poisson, entre el desenlace y las características sociodemográficas y de salud. Resultados: La prevalencia e incidencia de caídas fue de 44,2% y 36,4%, respectivamente. En el análisis de regresión múltiple de Poisson del estudio transversal, las variables síntomas dispépticos, valores bajos en el test Time Up and Go y padecer hipertensión se asociaron a la variable caída. En el estudio de cohortes, el análisis reforzó la asociación entre no ser ex-alcohólico y tener estreñimiento. Conclusiones: La prevalencia e incidencia de caídas entre los ancianos evaluados se considera elevada, destacándose la necesidad de identificar grupos más susceptibles a este desenlace.

Dual visual impairment and contrast sensitivity among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study from the PrevQuedas Brazil trial / Duplo déficit visual e sensibilidade ao contraste em idosos da comunidade: estudo transversal do PrevQuedas Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of improving visual assessment for community-dwelling older adult fallers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with eligible older adults (> 60 years old) living in the community and who suffered at least one fall in the last 12 months from the PrevQuedas Brasil clinical trial. Sociodemographic data, information on previous falls, physical and functional assessment (BOMFAQ and FES-I) were collected. We evaluated impairments in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using the Snellen E chart and low-contrast visual acuity tests, respectively. Dual visual impairment refers to the presence of both impairments. For statistical analysis we compared the participants in relation to the number of falls (single fallers or recurrent fallers) using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and the significance level was <0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: Visual acuity, low contrast sensitivity, and dual visual impairment were associated with recurrent falls (OR 1.85); visual impairment was more prevalent among the oldest old. Approximately 90% of the participants reported using glasses, and 63.80% used multifocal lenses. Dual impairment was identified in 143 (20.30%) participants. In multivariate logistic regression, the predictive variables for recurrent falls were low contrast sensitivity (95%CI 1.15­2.47), dual visual impairment (95%CI 1.16­2.83), and self-perceived fall risk (95%CI 1.16­2.46) which was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSION: Older adults with dual visual impairment are more likely to suffer recurrent falls. Low contrast sensitivity is crucial for fall risk assessment

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investiga a importância de avaliar a visão de idosos caidores na comunidade. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal com idosos elegíveis (> 60 anos) residentes na comunidade e que sofreram pelo menos uma queda nos últimos 12 meses do ensaio clínico PrevQuedas Brasil. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, informações sobre quedas pregressas, exames físicos e funcionais (BOMFAQ e FES-I). Avaliamos os comprometimentos da acuidade visual e da sensibilidade ao contraste por meio da Tabela E de Snellen e testes de acuidade visual de baixo contraste, respectivamente. O duplo déficit visual refere-se à presença de ambas as deficiências. Para análise estatística comparamos os idosos com relação ao número de quedas (caidores únicos ou caidores recorrentes) usando Qui-quadrado ou Teste exato de Fisher e o nível de significância foi <0.05 para todas as análises. RESULTADOS: Baixa acuidade visual, baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual foram associados a quedas recorrentes com odds ratio ­ OR 1,85, frequentemente mais prevalente entre os idosos longevos. Cerca de 90,00% dos idosos relataram usar óculos e 63,80% usavam lentes multifocais. O duplo déficit visual foi identificado em 143 (20,30%) participantes. Nos modelos de regressão logística multivariados, verificamos que as variáveis preditoras para queda recorrente foram a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste (intervalo de confiança ­ IC95% 1,15­2,47), duplo déficit (IC95% 1,16­2,83) e a autopercepção do risco de cair (IC95% 1,16­2,46) medido pela Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos com baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual têm maiores chances de sofrerem múltiplas quedas quando comparados com idosos que possuem apenas baixa acuidade visual. Assim, a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste é essencial na avaliação do risco de quedas dos idosos

Polypharmacy and drug classes in fall risk among older adults / Polifarmácia e uso de classes medicamentosas no risco de quedas em pessoas idosas

OBJECTIVE: To identify polypharmacy, including drug classes that, when used concomitantly, increase fall risk in older adults.METHODS: This cross-sectional quantitative study included noninstitutionalized individuals aged ≥ 60 years living in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. In the descriptive data analysis, the frequency distributions were evaluated and multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with fall risk. The ROC curve was used to determine the logistic model's accuracy. RESULTS: The fall rate was higher among women (73.30%) and the 70­79 year age group (42.50%). A total of 80.70% of the participants used ≥ 1 medication and 32.60% used 2­3 medications. According to the odds ratio calculation, use of medications with possible drug interactions increased the occurrence of falls by 47.00% in the last 12 months. The model's accuracy was 55.00%. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that polypharmacy and the use of certain drug classes in older adults can lead to potential drug interactions, making them more susceptible to adverse events, such as postural hypotension, vertigo, dizziness, and loss of balance, all of which increase fall risk. Educational measures for older adults on correct medication use are needed

OBJETIVO: Identificar o uso da polifarmácia e de classes medicamentosas que, quando usadas concomitantemente, elevam os riscos de quedas em pessoas idosas. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, com delineamento transversal, com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais, não institucionalizados, residentes em área urbana do município de Rio Branco, capital do estado do Acre. Na análise descritiva dos dados, avaliaram-se as distribuições de frequências e, para identificação dos fatores associados, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão logística múltipla. Para verificar a qualidade do modelo logístico na identificação da acurácia, utilizou-se a curva de característica de operação do receptor. RESULTADOS: Pessoas idosas do sexo feminino (73,30%) e de faixa etária de 70 a 79 anos (42,50%) obtiveram maiores ocorrências de quedas; 80,70% das pessoas idosas que apresentaram queda faziam a utilização de, no mínimo, um medicamento; 32,60% dos indivíduos idosos faziam uso de dois ou três medicamentos. Pela tabela de razão de chances, constatou-se que o uso de determinada medicação aumentou em 47,00% a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos 12 meses. O modelo apresentou uma acurácia de 55,00%. CONCLUSÃO: Tendo em vista os aspectos observados, conclui-se que a prática de polifarmácia e o uso acentuado de determinadas classes medicamentosas em pessoas idosas podem gerar potenciais interações medicamentosas e deixá-las mais suscetíveis a eventos adversos, como hipotensão postural, vertigem, tontura, perda do equilíbrio e vulnerabilidade, que propiciam o risco de quedas. Isto posto, é fundamental que os profissionais de saúde implementem medidas educativas favoráveis à correta utilização dos fármacos pelos indivíduos idosos