The Impact of Demographics and Comorbidities on Fall Incidence and Prevalence in Older Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Falls among older adults are more than mere accidents; they are a silent epidemic, profoundly impacting the health and well-being of millions of older adults worldwide. This study examines the incidence and prevalence of falls among individuals aged 65 and above, focusing on the influence of demographic factors and comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and obesity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the TriNetX network at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS) from 2019 to 2023. The study population included 16,400 individuals aged 65 and above who presented with fall-related trauma. Data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, procedures, and comorbid conditions were analyzed using descriptive statistics to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of falls. Results: The mean age of the study population was 77.3 years, with a higher proportion of females (60.97%) compared to males (39.02%). Despite the larger number of female participants, incidence and prevalence of falls were highest among individuals aged 65-69 years, and fall rates were notably higher among males compared to females. This suggests that while fewer in number, males in our study experienced falls more frequently. Patients with hypertension had the highest incidence proportion (56.67%) and prevalence (75.75%) among comorbid conditions. Conclusions: Falls among older adults are significantly influenced by demographic factors and comorbid conditions. Hypertension, in particular, is associated with the highest fall risk. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to manage comorbidities and reduce fall risks among older adult patients.