International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication

The Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication (한국인터넷방송통신학회)
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Falls in Community-dwelling Korean Older Adults: Prevalence and Associated Factors: The 2019 Community Health Survey Data

  • Mi Yeul Hyun (College of Nursing, Health and Nursing Research Institute, Jeju National University) ;
  • Suyoung Choi (College of Nursing, Health and Nursing Research Institute, Jeju National University) ;
  • Moonju Lee (School of Nursing, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio) ;
  • Hyo Jeong Song (College of Nursing, Health and Nursing Research Institute, Jeju National University)
  • Received : 2024.01.17
  • Accepted : 2024.02.12
  • Published : 2024.02.29
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Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of falls in community-dwelling older adults and to identify associated factors using the 2019 Community Health Survey. Methods: The original data was from the 2019 Community Health Survey, and the study sample comprised 1,642 older adults aged 65 years and older in Jeju province. Data collection was conducted from August 16 to November 20, 2019, through an interview done by a trained investigator. Respondents were queried about demographic characteristics, riding bicycles, hospital treatment due to an accident or poisoning in the previous year, fall experiences in the past year, fear of falling, self-management status, and pain and discomfort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate for associations between potential risk factors and falls. Results: The prevalence of falls in this community-dwelling older adults was 13.1%. Falls were associated with riding bicycles (odds ratio = 4.7; 95% confidence interval: 2.26-9.81), fear of falling (odds ratio = 0.3; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.49), hospital treatment due to an accident or poisoning in the previous year (odds ratio = 7.8; 95% confidence interval: 5.02-12.19), self-management status (odds ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 0.34-0.89), and pain and discomfort (odds ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.87). Conclusions: We found that the prevalence of approximately about 13% of older adults living in a community has experienced falls. Based on the results of the study, we provided primary data to develop the care management intervention program to prevent falls and avoid risk factors that cause falls in community-dwelling older adults.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the research grant from Jeju Research Institute in 2021.

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