Sima Ghassemi, Baharak Najafi , Alireza Memari , Neda Nazari, Fariborz Bakhtiari, Mahtab Alizadeh Khoei, Seyed Masood Arzaghi, Shervan Shoaee, Neda Mehrdad, Farshad Sharifi,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background: Falling is one of the health problems among aged population. Elderly living in institutions are at greater risk of falling than those dwellings in the community, due to their health status and environmental conditions. This study was designed and conducted aimed to address the factors affecting falls in Kahrizak Charity Foundation (KCF).
Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal study, which 194 of residents of KCF were participating in it with inclusion criteria were selected by Random Cluster sampling. They were enrolled after signing an informed consent. At baseline the data of demographic, lifestyle, past medical history and visual ability were collected by interviewing. The anthropometric measurements were performed as well. Cognitive status data were collected using abbreviated mental test (AMT) questionnaire and mini mental state examination (MMSE), balance status was assessed using the Tinetti mobility test (TMT) and its balance and gait sub- scores, depression was detected using the geriatric depression scale-15 (GDS-15). The participants were monitored for the falls occurrence its complications by daily call with caregivers and filling out the special forms for the recording of the falls occurrence by the head nurse. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariable Cox-regression models.
Results: The mean age of the participants was76.02 (8.82) years and the mean follow-up days was 754.40±189.26 days. 44 cases of falls were recorded during follow-up (over two years). The fall rate was 22.7 subjects per 100 participants per year. History of stroke, Parkinson's disease, visual loss, taking antidepressants, TMT score and TMT balance sub-score after adjustment (for age, sex, body mass index and survival time) were associated with falls.
Conclusion: The falls among nursing home elderly residents were associated with a history of chronic diseases such as stroke and Parkinson's diseases, visual acuity, use of antidepressants and the TMT and its balance sub score.
Zahra Jafari, Neda Mehrdad, Farshad Sharifi, Hamid Haghani, Soghra Nikpour,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background: Prevalence of diabetes increases along with aging. Due to various reasons, rate of falling in the aged suffering from diabetes is higher. Therefore, this study aims at determining factors relating falling of the aged suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Methods: A total of 60 years old or older with type 2 diabetes that referred to selected hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences using continues method. Cases that had experienced falling during last year and controls that had no such experience were assigned to two separate groups. Questionnaire used in this study included demographic data and factors relating falling. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t- test, Chi square and logistic regression.
Results: Results showed that postural blood pressure (p=0.02) dizziness (p=0.05), fecal incontinency (p<0.01), auditory disorder (p<0.01), visual disorder (p<0.01), pain in the lower extremity (p= 0.027), taking anti-coagulation medicine (p=0.017) had a significant correlation with falling.
Conclusion: Multivariate logistic regression illustrated that fecal incontinency and auditory disorder happened along with falling in the aged suffering from type 2 diabetes. Therefore, preventing falling must be considered in care plan for such groups of people.
