The prevalence and the risk of falls among institutionalised elderly in Penang, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Over the years, falls has been increasingly the most common public health issue worldwide that affects all age groups. However, the risk is nine times higher in older persons especially among those residing in nursing homes. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and the risk of falls and their associated factors among elderly living in nursing homes in Penang, Malaysia.

METHODOLOGY: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey in ten different nursing homes in the state of Penang, Malaysia. Participants were selected through convenience sampling were interviewed face-to-face using a questionnaire. Information concerning demographic characteristics, fall risk and depression status were collected.

RESULTS: Of the 357-elderly aged 60 years and above interviewed in the nursing homes, 32.8% (n=354) reported having one or more falls in the past 12 months whereas 13.3% were at moderate/high risk of fall. Depression (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)=1.71, 95%CI: 1.00 to 2.91) and respiratory illnesses (aOR=3.38, 95%CI: 1.11 to 10.30) were shown to be associated with prevalence of falls. Depression (aOR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.06 to 4.23) and history of fall more than once in the past 12 months (aOR=3.90, 95%CI: 1.72 to 8.8) were found to be associated with moderate/high risk of falls.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence of fall was higher among depressed elderly and those with respiratory illness. Elderly with higher history of falls were also at higher risk of falls. These findings suggest the importance of screening the elderly for the risk factors of falls as a preventive measure.