MULTIMORBIDITY, MUSCLE STRENGTH, AND FALLS AMONG OLDER MEXICAN AMERICANS
2024

Multimorbidity, Muscle Strength, and Falls Among Older Mexican Americans

Sample size: 899 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Uribe Alondra, Snih Soham Al

Primary Institution: The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the relationship of multimorbidity and muscle strength with falls among older Mexican Americans without a history of falls at baseline.

Conclusion

Mexican American older adults with multimorbidity and high handgrip strength had a 28% decreased risk of falls over time.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study included 899 older Mexican Americans without a history of falls at baseline.
  • Participants were divided into four groups based on handgrip strength and multimorbidity.
  • Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the odds ratios for falls.

Takeaway

Older Mexican Americans with multiple health issues who are strong are less likely to fall. Exercising to get stronger can help keep them safe.

Methodology

This was a 12-year prospective cohort study using generalized estimating equation models to analyze the relationship between multimorbidity, handgrip strength, and falls.

Participant Demographics

Non-institutionalized Mexican Americans aged ≥75 residing in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.72, 0.52, 0.46

Confidence Interval

0.54-0.95, 0.33-0.82, 0.29-0.74

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3456

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