Risk factors for fall-related injuries among community-dwelling men and women over 70 years of age, based on social cognitive theory: results from a population study

Abstract

Introduction

Healthcare professionals’, especially physiotherapists’ role as promoters, preventers and rehabilitators play a significant role in prevention of falls. The purpose of this study was to gain knowledge on the risk factors which are associated with fall-related injuries among community dwelling men and women, based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) concepts.

Patients and methods

The study includes 13,151 people who responded to a postal survey questionnaire in 2017. The random sample consisted of men and women aged 70 years and older. Multivariate regression models were used to explore associations between theory-based risk factors and fall-related injuries.

Results

A total of 16% (1951 people) reported a fall-related injury during the past 12 months. For men, a total of seven risk factors were associated with fall-related injury: age, pain (neck/shoulder), incontinence, depression, help in daily living, education and sedentary behaviour. For women, a total of nine risk factors were associated with fall-related injury: age, pain (extremities and neck/shoulder), tiredness, incontinence, appetite, economy, accommodation and participation in social activities.

Conclusions

This study identified risk factors from all aspects of the SCT, serving as a clinically useful theory in addition to traditional fall preventive actions. Gender differences should be considered when designing fall prevention strategies.

Keywords:

• Older adults
• falls
• injuries
• social cognitive theory
• population studies

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The survey was approved by the Regional Board of Ethics, Uppsala (EPN 2015/417). The respondents gave their informed consent to participate by answering the questionnaire.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Availability of data and material

The datasets analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to confidentiality and regulations under the Swedish law (the law of official statistics (2001:99 §6) and the law of secrecy (1980:100, chap. 9 §4).