Gerontology

Clinical Section / Original Paper

Falls and Fall-Related Consequences among Older People Living in Long-Term Care Facilities in a Megacity of China

Jiang Y.a,b,c · Xia Q.b · Zhou P.b · Jiang S.b · Diwan V.K.d · Xu B.a,c,d

Author affiliations

aDepartment of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
bDepartment of Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
cKey Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
dDepartment of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

Keywords: FallsLong-term care facilityEpidemiologyElderly peopleInjury

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Gerontology 2020;66:523–531
https://doi.org/10.1159/000510469

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Clinical Section / Original Paper

Received: March 01, 2020
Accepted: July 27, 2020
Published online: October 06, 2020
Issue release date: December 2020

Number of Print Pages: 9
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 6

ISSN: 0304-324X (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0003 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/GER

Abstract

Introduction: Falls are currently the top safety problem in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in China. Due to the increasing number of residents living in LTCFs, more evidence is needed to give a foundation for fall prevention. Objective: This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of falls in LTCFs in central Shanghai. Methods: The study was conducted in 21 LTCFs in a central district in Shanghai, with a capacity of 3,065 residents. A two-stage sampling method was applied in participant recruitment. Falls were recorded by LTCF staff over a 12-month period. Details of falls were obtained by face-to-face interviews. The χ2 test was used in data analyses. Results: The incidence of falls was 13.5%; 64.0% falls resulted in injuries, with 32.0% involving fractures. Women had a significantly higher incidence of injurious falls than men (χ2 = 4.066, p = 0.044). Residents aged 80–89 years or in level 1 care had the highest incidence of falls with severe consequences. The incidence of falls was significantly higher at small- or medium-sized LTCFs, public LTCFs, and LTCFs with higher environmental risk levels compared to their counterparts. Most falls occurred when walking on a flat floor (28.9%) and rising up or sitting down (24.0%); 40.9% occurred during the night. Of those injured, 54.8% were treated in hospitals, and only 53.7% completely recovered. Conclusions: Though the average incidence of falls in LTCFs in Shanghai was relatively low, great variation was observed between LTCFs, and severe consequences occurred frequently. Fall prevention programmes should be evidence-based with applicable devices and individualized care services and supports. The roles of personal and institutional factors on falls warrant further study.

© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Clinical Section / Original Paper

Received: March 01, 2020
Accepted: July 27, 2020
Published online: October 06, 2020
Issue release date: December 2020

Number of Print Pages: 9
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 6

ISSN: 0304-324X (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0003 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/GER

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