Citation

Dunn JE, Rudberg MA, Furner SE, Cassel CK. Am. J. Public Health 1992; 82(3): 395-400.

Affiliation

University of Illinois School of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatics Program, Chicago.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1531583

PMCID

PMC1694374

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Falls are prevalent in older persons and can have serious consequences. METHODS. Data from the Longitudinal Study on Aging were analyzed to study the relationship between falls and both mortality and functional status in 4270 respondents age 70 and over. The effects of demographic traits, chronic conditions, and disability present at baseline were controlled for by means of multivariable analyses. RESULTS. Risk of death within 2 years was greater for both single fallers (crude odds ratio OR., 1.5; 95% confidence interval CI., 1.1-2.0) and multiple fallers (crude OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.8). This excess risk was dissipated when selected covariates were added to the model. No crude or adjusted association was evident between single falls and functional impairment; however, multiple falls were an independent risk factor (adjusted OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0). CONCLUSIONS. Multiple falls in older persons increase risk of functional impairment and may indicate underlying conditions that increase risk of death.

Language: en