Risk Factors for Falls Leading to Severe Fractures in the Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Evandro SF Coutinho, Astrid Fletcher, Katia V Bloch, Laura C Rodrigues
Primary Institution: National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors for fall-related severe fractures in elderly people living in a middle-income country?
Conclusion
The study identifies low body mass index, cognitive impairment, stroke, and certain medications as significant risk factors for severe fractures due to falls in the elderly.
Supporting Evidence
- Low body mass index was associated with a higher risk of severe fractures.
- Cognitive impairment significantly increased the odds of severe fall-related fractures.
- Use of benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants was linked to a higher risk of severe fractures.
Takeaway
Older people can fall and get hurt badly, especially if they are thin, have memory problems, or take certain medicines.
Methodology
A case-control study was conducted with 250 hospitalized cases of fractures matched with 250 community controls based on sex, age, and living area.
Potential Biases
Cognitive impairment was evaluated after the fall, which may have influenced the results.
Limitations
Most variables were self-reported, which could lead to misclassification of exposures.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were women aged 70-79, with many not living alone and a significant portion having low educational attainment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
1.02–19.21
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website