Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2023 May;32(2):79-88. 10.5807/kjohn.2023.32.2.79.

Factors Influencing Fall Experiences among the Older Adults in Community: Using the 2021 Community Health Survey

• Jun HJ
• Choi JY

• KMID: 2551003
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2023.32.2.79

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to identify the factors that influence the experience of falls among older adults living in the community.
Methods
The study participants were 70,887 65-year-olds who participated in the 2021 Community Health Survey. The study employed the Rao-scott x ² test to examine the variation in fall experiences based on the characteristics of the older adults. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate these characteristics’ impact on older adults’ fall experiences.
Results
The proportion of subjects in fall experience was 16.6%. The factors influencing the subject's fall experience were sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.37~1.57), age (OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.34~1.65), family structure (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.15~1.31), body mass index (OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.06~1.20), diabetes (OR=1.12, 95% CI=1.06~1.20), depression experiences (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.42~1.70), stress (OR=1.12, 95% CI=1.05~1.19), subjective health status (OR=1.77, 95% CI=1.63~1.92), life satisfaction (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.41~1.76), and chewing discomfort (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.21~1.38).
Conclusion
Efforts should be made to effectively educate and develop various programs aimed at reducing falls among older adults. It is essential to emphasize the importance of continuous and active attention to falls in the older adult population.

Keyword

Aged; Accidental falls; Health status