Factors Associated with Falls in Older Adults with Osteoarthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Yoshikawa Aya, Wu Horng-Shiuann
Primary Institution: Texas Woman’s University, Michigan State University
Hypothesis
How do sex differences influence factors associated with falls among community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis?
Conclusion
Sex differences affect the risk factors for falls among older adults with osteoarthritis, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- Osteoarthritis increases the risk of falling due to joint pain and stiffness.
- Balance problems, functional limitations, and cancer are associated with increased fall risk.
- Among women, being White, living in rural areas, and opioid use are linked to higher fall risk.
- Among men, having heart problems increases the risk of falling.
Takeaway
Older adults with osteoarthritis can fall for different reasons based on whether they are men or women, so we need to help them in different ways.
Methodology
Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to analyze data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily female (64.5%), in their 70s, White (89.0%), and had a high school education or higher (89.3%).
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI; 1.86, 8.05 for White women compared to Black women; 95% CI: 1.01–2.50 for rural residence compared to urban; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.54 for opioid use among women; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.72 for heart problems among men.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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