Publication:

The prevalence of falls and its associated factors among elderly living in old folks home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Background Falls are common among the geriatric population, causing frequent morbidity and mortality. Identifying risk of falls among elderly living in old folks home can help in the care and prevention of falls in this population. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of falls among elderly living in old folks home and its associated factors.

Methods A cross-sectional study involving 50 elderly living in old folks home in Kuala Lumpur was selected by convenient sampling. History of falls revealed by participants, assisted questionnaires that consist of socio-demographic details and prevalence of falls within 6 months period were given. The association between the prevalence of falls and its associated factors were assessed by using chi-square test.

Results The prevalence of falls among the respondents was 30%, but there were no significant association between the socio demographic and prevalence of falls. There were also no associations between activity of daily living, number of comorbidities, number of medication with falls.

Conclusions Falls represent one of the public health problems among elderly living in old folks home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with 30% prevalence of falls among the respondent. Our findings may assist public health authorities to implement programs of awareness and all prevention among elderly.