Multiple Long-Term Conditions and Disability are Independently Associated with Higher Risk of Fall Among Community Adults: a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

Previous studies have suggested an association between falls and the presence of Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTC) or disabilities. However, there is limited understanding of how these factors independently or collectively contribute to the risk of falls and fear of falling among community-dwelling adults.

Objective

This study examined the independent association between MLTC and the presence of disability with the risk of falls among community adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study included 324 adults (age ≥ 50). Demographic and clinical data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), MLTC (≥ two chronic diseases) risk of fall (ie, history of fall in the previous 12-months, number of falls, and recurrent falls). The Barthel Index and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) were used to assess disability and fear of fall, respectively.

Results

MLTC (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.26, 4.95], p=0.009), and disability (OR 1.71, 95% CI [1.04, 2.79], p = 0.034) were independently associated with history of falls. MLTC (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 2.87, 95% CI [1.93, 4.29], p < 0.001) and disability (IRR 1.86 95% CI [1.46, 2.36], p < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased number of falls. MLTC (OR 4.50, 95% CI [1.78, 11.36], p = 0.001) and disability (OR 2.82, 95% CI [1.58, 5.05], p < 0.001) were independently associated with recurrent falls. MLTC (B = 6.45, p < 0.001) and disability (B = 3.05, p = 0.025) were independently associated with increased fear of falling.

Conclusion

This study indicated that both MLTC and disability are independently associated with falls, number of falls and fear of falling in this population.

Keywords:

• falling
• disabilities
• impairments
• functional limitations
• multiple chronic diseases
• multimorbidity
• Saudi

Data Sharing Statement

The data will be available from the corresponding author based upon a reasonable request.

Ethics Committee Approval Statement

This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (No. RHPT/022/010).

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to the King Salman Center For Disability Research for funding this work through Research Group no KSRG-2023-446.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the King Salman Center For Disability Research for funding this work through Research Group no KSRG-2023-446.