Citation

Alexander BH, Rivara FP, Wolf ME. Am. J. Public Health 1992; 82(7): 1020-1023.

Affiliation

Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1609903

PMCID

PMC1694056

Abstract

Using a population-based hospital discharge registry with E codes, we examine the 1989 hospitalizations of older adults in Washington State for fall-related injuries. Fall-related trauma accounted for 5.3% of all hospitalizations of older adults, with hospital charges totaling $53,346,191, and resulted in discharge to nursing care more often than other such hospitalizations. An annual hospitalization rate of 13.5 per 1,000 persons and an annual cost of $92 per person is reported. The importance of preventing fall-related injuries in older adults is discussed.