Risk Factors for Falls in Older Adults During COVID-19 in Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Murayama Akihiko, Higuchi Daisuke, Saida Kosuke, Tanaka Shigeya, Shinohara Tomoyuki
Primary Institution: Takasaki University of Health and Welfare
Hypothesis
New risk factors for falls emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period.
Conclusion
The study found that age and a history of falls are significant predictors of falls among community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Evidence
- Age and history of falls were identified as significant predictors of falls.
- The fall rate in the study was 23%, similar to pre-COVID-19 rates.
- Preventive measures for falls should continue even during pandemics.
Takeaway
Older people are more likely to fall, especially if they have fallen before, and this is true even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology
The study used a prospective cohort design with baseline and follow-up surveys to assess fall risk factors among older adults.
Potential Biases
Sampling bias may exist due to the low response rate and the specific demographic of participants.
Limitations
The survey response rate was only 17.4%, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years in Takasaki City, Japan.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.01–1.12
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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