Frequency of and Factors Associated with a Proxy for Critical Falls Among People Aging with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Critical falls, defined in the literature as involving an inability to get up after the fall, have been associated with morbidity and mortality in older adults but have not been examined in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). To highlight the importance of the critical fall concept in MS, this exploratory study sought to identify the frequency of and factors associated with a proxy for critical falls in people with MS. Methods: Of 354 adults with MS 55 years and older interviewed, 327 reported a story about their most recent fall that included information about fall-related experiences, including whether they received help to get up after a fall. We used this information as a proxy for critical falls in a logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 177 individuals (54.1%) received help to get up after their most recent fall. Logistic regression analysis revealed six factors associated with this proxy for critical falls: fall leading to a fracture (OR = 4.21), leg weakness (OR = 3.12), living with others (OR = 2.48), female sex (OR = 1.96), balance or mobility problems (OR = 1.90), and longer disease duration (OR = 1.04). Conclusions: Receiving help after a fall is common for people aging with MS, suggesting that critical falls need to be further studied. Findings support the need for fall management education that includes action planning for proper assistance and balance and strength training to increase the ability to get up safely after a fall.