INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS RELATED TO FALLS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE, THAILAND

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the risk rate of falls and intrinsic risk factors related to falls in elderly people in northeastern Thailand. The sample group consisted of 1,609 people who were 60 years old and above. They were from provinces having an index of aging between 100.0 -119.9 ( Ubon Ratchathani and Khonkaen, two communities each) and that of 80.0 – 99.9 ( Maha Sarakhan, Udon Thani, Nakhonratchasima, and Surin, two communities each). General data records from and geriatric screening forms were used for data collection from April – May 2018. Obtained data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics. Also, the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and multiple logistic regression were employed for analyzing the relationships. The relationship value was presented by the Odds ratio and 95% reliability.

The results of the study revealed that 478 elderly people in this study (30%) were risky to falls. It was found that an increase in age had an opportunity to be risky to falls for 1.2 times (95% CI = 1.1 – 1.3, p < .01). Elderly people reading a newspaper at a distance of 1 foot had no opportunity to be risky to falls for 1.8 times (95% CI = 1.4 – 2.4, p < .01). Elderly people having a deficiency in knowing how to think had an opportunity to be risky to falls for 2.3 times (95% CI = 1.7 – 3.1, p < .01). Also, elderly people who had a knee ache had an opportunity to be risky to falls for 1.6 times (95% CI = 1.3 – 2, p < .01). The following were suggestions, elderly people should check their eyesight at least once a year; those having a knee ache should see a doctor and must follow his suggestions, and medical staff should check the brain of elderly people every time they go to the hospital. This aims to prevent internal risk factors related to falls in elderly people.