Citation

Chen TY, Tan PJ, Chan A. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2018; 18(1): 72-79.

Affiliation

Center for Aging Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Japan Geriatrics Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ggi.13143

PMID

28857421

Abstract

AIM: The present study examined whether ethnicity independently predicted future falls among community-dwelling older Singaporeans, and whether ethnicity moderated the relationships between falls risk factors at baseline and falls at follow up.

METHODS: Data from a longitudinal survey of older Singaporeans were used. Baseline assessment included handgrip strength, global cognitive function, mobility difficulties, health and psychosocial status. One-year retrospective falls information at follow up was the primary outcome.

RESULTS: Final analysis included 1975 participants (mean age 73.6 ± 6.2 years, 53% women). Indians, followed by Malays, had a higher risk of falling compared with Chinese at follow up. This association remained after controlling for falls risk factors. Self-reported pain and poor global cognitive function imposed a substantial increment in the risk of falling among Malays compared with Chinese, but not Indians.

CONCLUSION: Ethnicity was a significant predictor of future falls among older Singaporeans. Falls screening and intervention should take ethnicity into account to reach and support the appropriate target population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; ••: ••-••.

© 2017 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Language: en

Keywords

ethnicity; falls; global cognitive function; older adults; pain