@article{ref1,
title="Methodological challenges in a study on falls in an older population of Cape Town, South Africa",
journal="African health sciences",
year="2017",
author="Kalula, Sebastiana Z. and Ferreira, Monica and Swingler, George H. and Badri, Motasim and Sayer, Avan A.",
volume="17",
number="3",
pages="912-922",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Falls are a major cause of disability, morbidity and mortality in older persons, but have been under researched in developing countries. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1680-6905",
doi="10.4314/ahs.v17i3.35",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v17i3.35"
}