Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2024 Jun;27(1):58-67. 10.7587/kjrehn.2024.58.

Risk Factors for Falls or Fractures in Stroke Patients: An Analysis of 2020 Patient Sample Data

• Lee M
• Moon M

• KMID: 2557803
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7587/kjrehn.2024.58

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to identify risk factors for falls or fractures in patients with stroke.
Methods
In this secondary data analysis study, data were extracted from the 2020 patient sample dataset provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). The independent variables were categorized into 4 characteristics: 3 general characteristics, 13 diagnostic characteristics, 8 medication characteristics, and 5 treatment characteristics. The data were analyzed using SAS for Windows version 9.4 software. The frequencies of the independent variables were examined, and x 2 tests were conducted to determine whether there were significant differences between falls or fractures and the independent variables. To identify the risk factors for falls or fractures, Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine hazard ratios.
Results
Among 13,629 patients with stroke, 925 (6.78%) experienced falls or fractures. Eight risk factors for falls or fractures in patients with stroke were identified: elderly patients aged 75 years and above, degenerative arthritis, osteoporosis, opioid medication, antidepressant medication, fluid treatment, a history of surgery, and no specialized rehabilitation therapy
Conclusion
It is necessary to develop fall prevention education programs based on the identified eight risk factors, and to conduct studies to validate their effectiveness.

Keyword

Falls; Fractures; Risk factors; Secondary data analysis; Stroke