Abstract
Introduction:
Falls represent a significant public health concern affecting the elderly, yet epidemiological studies within Lebanese institutions are scarce. This study aimed to explore gender differences in falls and mobility patterns and assess causes, potential risks, and protective factors against falls among institutionalized elderly in the Chouf district, Lebanon.
Methods
This cross-sectional pilot study involved an elderly healthcare institution. Data were collected using an anonymous, custom-designed questionnaire and patient medical records. Fall risk was evaluated with the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment, the Timed Up and Go Test, the Morse Fall Assessment, and other tools. Relative risks were estimated using odds ratios (OR), and logistic regression was stratified by gender to control confounders and assess the associations between fall episodes and potential risk and protective factors.
Results
This study included 300 institutionalized elderly aged 65 years and older, with 57.7% females. The mean age was 79.27 ± 7.61. Among the participants, 197 (65.7%) reported at least one fall in the past twelve months, with a higher prevalence among women compared to men (69.9% vs. 59.8%). Elderly women exhibited higher levels of depression and consumed more sleeping pills and mood-enhancing medications, which were positively associated with increased falls (p = 0.003). Among elderly men, unsteady walking was positively associated with the history of falls (p = 0.004).
Conclusion
This study found a higher incidence of falls among institutionalized women, possibly associated with the intake of sleeping pills and mood stabilizers. These findings have positive implications for future research in Lebanon and neighboring countries, with the potential to inform preventive measures to reduce falls among the elderly.