Risk Factors for Falls Among Older Adults’ Patients in an Acute Geriatric Unit in Lithuania
Older adults are at increased risk for a number of adverse events during hospitalizations, especially falls.
The aim of the current study was to identify risk factors for falls among older adult patients receiving care in an acute geriatric unit in a University hospital in Lithuania.
Materials and methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted in a 50-bed acute geriatric unit in a clinical hospital in Lithuania, data from 270 patients were collected. Data were extracted from an electronic patient record. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between different possible risk factors and falls in the last 12 months calculating the odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Models were adjusted for variables that differed significantly or suggestively between the groups.
Results. Compared to patients aged 60-74 years, those aged 75 years and older were more likely to report history of fall (50.2% vs. 34.5%) p = 0.038). History of fall were more common among female than male (respectively, 72.8% and 27.2% p = 0.055). Characteristics associated with an increased risk of falls in the last 12 months included patients with gastrointestinal disease (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.08-12.97), faecal incontinence (OR = 5.28, 95% CI = 1.01-27.69), and
syncope syndrome (OR = 7.65, 95% CI = 1.91-30.54).
Conclusions. Identifying patients at risk for adverse outcome is only a first step in its prevention. Comprehensive geriatric assessment needed for older patients at time of admission in acute geriatric unit. It is important to identify history of falls and gait disorders association with risk other risk factors.
Correspondence to L. Spirgienė Correspondence to L. Spirgienė, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių 4, LT‑50009 Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: lina.spirgiene@lsmu.lt