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Journal Article

Citation

Kalula SZ, Ferreira M, Swingler GH, Badri M, Sayer AA. Afr. Health Sci. 2017; 17(3): 912-922.

Affiliation

MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University)

DOI

10.4314/ahs.v17i3.35

PMID

29085420

PMCID

PMC5656198

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falls are a major cause of disability, morbidity and mortality in older persons, but have been under researched in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE: To describe challenges encountered in a community-based study on falls in a multi-ethnic population aged ≥65 years in a low-income setting.

METHODS: The study was conducted in four stages: A pilot study (n=105) to establish a sample size for the survey. An equipment validation study (n=118) to use for fall risk determination. A cross-sectional baseline (n=837) and a 12-month follow-up survey (n=632) to establish prevalence and risk factors for falls.

RESULTS: Prevalence rate of 26.4% (95% CI 23.5-29.5%) and risk factors for recurrent falls: previous falls, self-reported poor mobility and dizziness were established. Adaptations to the gold standard prospective fall research study design were employed: 1) to gain access to the study population in three selected suburbs, 2) to perform assessments in a non-standardised setting, 3) to address subjects' poverty and low literacy levels, and high attrition of subjects and field workers.

CONCLUSION: Studies on falls in the older population of low- to middle-income countries have methodological challenges. Adaptive strategies used in the Cape Town study and the research experience reported may be instructive for investigators planning similar studies in such settings.


Language: en

Keywords

Falls; community-based research; low and middle income countries; methodology; older people; study design

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