Prevalence and Factors Associated with Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Thai Elderly

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Nantawat Sitdhiraksa ◽  
Piyapat Piyamongkol ◽  
Pakaratee Chaiyawat ◽  
Thanwarat Chantanachai ◽  
Woraphat Ratta-Apha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
History Of

Background: Falls are common in older people. The fear of falling (FOF) can lead elderly persons to restrict their activities which reduces quality of life. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with FOF in community-dwelling Thai elderly to improve screening, treatment and prevention policies and practices. Objectives: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with FOF in suburban-dwelling Thai seniors. Methods: Seniors aged 60–85 years old from 4 suburban communities near Bangkok, Thailand, were interviewed and examined. Questionnaires were used to collect data on the FOF, symptoms of depression, anxiety and balance tests. T tests, χ2 tests, and logistic regressions were used in statistical analysis. Results: 210 subjects were enrolled. The mean age was 70.3, and 74.3% were female. Fifty-three (25.2%) reported a previous history of falls. The prevalence of FOF was 35.8% in the subjects with previous history of falls and 21.7% in subjects without previous history of falls. FOF was associated with female gender, age ≥80, living alone, impaired balance, and functional impairment but not with previous history of falls. Conclusion: FOF is associated with balance impairment, anxiety, depression, and functional impairment of daily routine activities.

scholarly journals Falls and fear of falling among Israeli community-dwelling older people: a cross-sectional national survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dvora Frankenthal ◽  
Mor Saban ◽  
Dolev Karolinsky ◽  
Miri Lutski ◽  
Shelley Sternberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Older People ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Walking Aids ◽  
Community Dwelling Older People

Abstract Background Falls and fear of falling are a major problem for older people and a leading cause of functional decline and institutionalization. There is limited data on the prevalence of falls in a 12-month period among Israeli older adults. Our main objective was to evaluate the prevalence of falls among Israeli community-dwelling older people aged ≥65 years and to identify factors associated with falls and fear of falling. Methods A national cross-sectional interview survey was conducted between February 2018 and April 2019 by the Israeli Center for Disease Control. The prevalence of falls was assessed by asking participants about falling within the 12 months prior to the survey. Fear of falling was assessed by asking participants about the fear of future falls. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with falls and with fear of falling. Results From 5281 households that were eligible for inclusion in this study, 3242 participants (61.4%) completed the survey. Falling at least once in the past year was reported by 23.8% of the respondents and fear of falling by 48.2%. The majority of the participants (91.1%) reported that they had never received any instruction about fall prevention from their medical care provider. In the multivariate analysis, falls and fear of falling were each a risk factor for the other; and were also significantly associated with female gender, major functional difficulties, the use of walking aids, cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus and psychotropic medications. Conclusion The prevalence of falls and fear of falling among Israeli community-dwelling older people is comparable to the rates published in other countries. Efforts should be made to increase awareness about falls and their health consequences among older people. The development of specific interventions to target those at higher risk for falls and fear of falling is strongly recommended.

scholarly journals HIV virological non-suppression and its associated factors in children on antiretroviral therapy at a major treatment centre in Southern Ghana: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adwoa K. A. Afrane ◽  
Bamenla Q. Goka ◽  
Lorna Renner ◽  
Alfred E. Yawson ◽  
Yakubu Alhassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Study Recruitment ◽  
History Of ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection require lifelong effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). The goal of ART in HIV-infected persons is sustained viral suppression. There is limited information on virological non-suppression or failure and its associated factors in children in resource limited countries, particularly Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study of 250 children aged 8 months to 15 years who had been on ART for at least 6 months attending the Paediatric HIV clinic at Korle Bu Teaching hospital in Ghana was performed. Socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory and ART Adherence related data were collected using questionnaires as well as medical records review. Blood samples were obtained for viral load and CD4+ count determination. Viral load levels > 1000 copies/ml on ART was considered virological non-suppression. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with virological non-suppression. Results The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 11.4 ± 2.4 years and the proportion of males was 53.2%. Of the 250 study participants, 96 (38.4%) had virological non-suppression. After adjustment for significant variables, the factors associated with non-suppressed viral load were female gender (AOR 2.51 [95% CI 1.04–6.07], p = 0.041), having a previous history of treatment of tuberculosis (AOR 4.95 [95% CI 1.58–15.5], p = 0.006), severe CD4 immune suppression status at study recruitment (AOR 24.93 [95% CI 4.92–126.31], p < 0.001) and being on a nevirapine (NVP) based regimen (AOR 7.93 [95% CI 1.58–1.15], p = 0.005). Conclusion The prevelance of virological non-suppression was high. Virological non-suppression was associated with a previous history of TB treatment, female gender, severe CD4 immune suppression status at study recruitment and being on a NVP based regimen. Early initiation of ART and phasing out NVP-based regimen might improve viral load suppression in children. In addition, children with a history of TB may need focused measures to maximize virological suppression.

scholarly journals HIV virological non-suppression and its associated factors amongst children on antiretroviral therapy at a major paediatric treatment centre in Southern Ghana: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adwoa K. A. Afrane ◽  
Bamenla Q. Goka ◽  
Lorna Renner ◽  
Alfred Edwin Yawson ◽  
Yakubu Alhassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Study Recruitment ◽  
History Of ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection require lifelong effective Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). The aim of ART in HIV-infected persons is sustained viral suppression. There is limited information on virological non-suppression or failure and its associated factors in children in resource limited countries, particularly Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study of 250 children aged 8 months to 15 years who had been on ART for at least 6 months attending the Paediatric HIV clinic at Korle Bu Teaching hospital in Ghana was performed. Socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory and ART Adherence related data were collected using questionnaires as well as medical records. Blood samples were obtained for viral load and CD4+ count determination. Viral load levels > 1000 copies/ml on ART was considered virological non-suppression. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with virological non-suppression. Results The mean (± SD) age of the study participants was 11.4 ± 2.4 years and the proportion of males was 53.2%. Of the 250 study participants, 96 (38.4%) had virological non-suppression. After adjustment for significant variables, the factors associated with non-suppressed viral load were female gender (AOR 2.51 [95% CI 1.04–6.07], p = 0.041), having a previous history of treatment of tuberculosis (AOR 4.95 [95% CI 1.58–15.5], p = 0.006), severe CD4 immune suppression status (CD4% < 15% / CD4+ count < 200 cells/mm 3) at study recruitment (AOR 24.93 [95% CI 4.92-126.31], p < 0.001) and being on a Nevirapine based regimen (AOR 7.93 [95% CI 1.58–1.15], p = 0.005). Conclusion The prevelance of virological non-suppression was high. Virological non-suppression was associated with a previous history of TB treatment, female gender, severe CD4 immune suppression status (CD4% <15% / CD4+ count < 200 cells/mm3), at study recruitment and being on a Nevirapine based regimen. Early initiation of ART and phasing out Nevirapine based regimen might improve viral load suppression in children. In addition, children with a history of TB may need focused measures to maximize virological suppression.

Progestogens for treatment and prevention of pregnancy disorders

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adolf E. Schindler
Keyword(s):  
Premature Birth ◽  
Previous History ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Maternal Immune System ◽  
Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate ◽  
History Of ◽  
Threatened Abortion ◽  
In Pregnancy

AbstractProgesterone appears to be the dominant hormone not only establishing a proper secretory endometrial development but also adequate decidualization to establish pregnancy and sustain pregnancy development. Progesterone is the natural immunoregulator to control the maternal immune system and not to reject the allogeneic fetus. There are two sources of progesterone: corpus luteum first and placenta later. Three progestogens can be used in pregnancy: (i) progesterone (per os, intravaginal and intramuscular), (ii) dydrogesterone (per os), and (iii) 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (intramuscular). There are three indications, for which these progestogens can be clinically used either for treatment or prevention: (i) first trimester threatened and recurrent (habitual) abortion, (ii) premature labor/premature birth, and (iii) pre-eclampsia (hypertension in pregnancy). The available data are limited and only partially randomized. In threatened abortion the use of progesterone, dydrogesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate leads to a significant improved outcome, when at the time of threatened abortion a viable fetus has been ascertained by ultrasound. For prevention of recurrent abortion there are also some data indicating a significant effect compared with women without progestogen treatment. Prevention of preterm birth by progestogens (progesterone vaginally, orally and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate intramuscularly) was significantly effective. The main study groups include pregnant women with a previous history of premature birth. However, also in women with shortened cervix use of progesterone seems to be helpful. The studies done so far in women with risk factors for pre-eclampsia or established pre-eclampsia were based on parenteral progesterone application. However, new studies are urgently needed.

scholarly journals Factors influencing Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Singapore: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Giovanna De Roza ◽  
David Wei Liang Ng ◽  
Blessy Koottappal Mathew ◽  
Teena Jose ◽  
Ling Jia Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract BackgroundFalls in older adults is a common problem worldwide. Fear of falling (FoF) is a consequence of falls which has far-reaching implications including activity restriction, functional decline and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with FoF in a segment of Singapore’s community-dwelling older adults. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of adults aged 65 and above from 4 primary care clinics from September 2020 to March 2021. Data were collected on demographic factors and clinical factors including history of falls and frailty as determined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). FoF was measured using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale–International (Short FES-I), cut-off score of 14 and above indicated high FoF. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of high FoF.ResultsOut of 360 older adults, 78.1% were Chinese and 59.7% females. The mean age was 78.3 years and 76 (21.1%) had a history of falls in the past six months. Almost half (43.1%) were mildly to moderately frail and most (80.6%) had three or more chronic conditions. The mean FoF score was 15.5 (SD 5.97) and 60.8% reported high FoF. Logistic regression found that Malay ethnicity (OR = 5.81, 95% CI 1.77 – 19.13), use of walking aids (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.54 – 8.77) and increasing frailty were significant predictors for high FoF. The odds of high FoF were significantly higher in pre frail older adults (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 2.66 – 17.37), mildly frail older adults (OR =18.58, 95% CI = 4.88 – 70.34) and moderately frail older adults (OR = 144.78, 95% CI = 13.86 – 1512.60).ConclusionsFoF is a prevalent and compelling issue in community-dwelling older adults, particularly those with frailty. The demographic and clinical factors identified in this study will be helpful to develop targeted and tailored interventions for FoF.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Risk of Polypharmacy among Community-Dwelling, Elderly Kuwaiti Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabil Ahmed Badawy ◽  
Shokria Adely Labeeb ◽  
Mawaheb Falah Alsamdan ◽  
Badria Faleh Alazemi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Study Population

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy in community-dwelling, older Kuwaiti patients, describe the number and types of drugs used, and identify risk factors associated with polypharmacy. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in which we interviewed 500 community-dwelling Kuwaiti adults over 65 years of age. The data collection occurred during a 4-month period from March to July 2017. Results: Fifty-two percent (n = 260) of the patients were males, with a mean age of 71.73 ± 5.32 years. The prevalence of polypharmacy (5–8 drugs) and excessive polypharmacy (>8 drugs) was 58.4% (n = 292) and 10.2% (n = 51), respectively. The risk factors associated with an increased number of medicines used were: female gender (p = 0.019), a lower level of education (p = 0.003), a high number of hospital admissions (p = 0.000), clinics visited by the patient (p =0.000), and number of comorbidities (p = 0.000). The most commonly used medications (82.6% of the study population) were blood glucose-lowering agents, excluding insulin. Other commonly used medications were antihypertensive drugs and lipid-modifying agents. Conclusion: A significant sector of the older Kuwaiti patient population has a high prevalence of polypharmacy and is thus exposed to its potential hazards. The current study highlights the need to revise the drug-dispensing policy among community-dwelling, older Kuwaiti people, as well as to initiate educational programs among healthcare practitioners concerning prescribing issues in older individuals.

scholarly journals Factors associated with going outdoors frequently: a cross-sectional study among Swiss community-dwelling older adults

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e034248
Author(s):  
Julia Spaltenstein ◽  
Christophe Bula ◽  
Brigitte Santos-Eggimann ◽  
Helene Krief ◽  
Laurence Seematter-Bagnoud
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social Characteristics ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Physical Limitations

ObjectiveThis study examines potential risk and protective factors associated with going outdoors frequently among older persons, and whether these factors vary according to physical limitations.DesignCross-sectional analysis.Setting and participantsCommunity-dwelling participants of the Lausanne cohort Lc65+ in 2016, aged 68–82 years (n=3419).MethodsAssociations between going outdoors frequently and physical limitations, sociodemographic, health, psychological and social variables were examined using logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the severity of physical limitations.Main outcome measures‘Going outdoors frequently’ was defined as going out ≥5 days/week and not spending most of the time sitting or lying down.ResultsThree in four (73.9%) participants reported going outdoors frequently. Limitations in climbing stairs (adjusted OR (AdjOR) 0.61, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.80) and walking (AdjOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.31), as well as depressive symptoms (AdjOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.70), dyspnoea (AdjOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.75), age (AdjORolder age group 0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.92) and fear of falling (AdjOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.91) reduced the odds of going outdoors frequently. In contrast, living alone (AdjOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.56), reporting a dense (AdjOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.96) and a high-quality (AdjOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.53) social network increased the odds of going outdoors frequently. Among participants with severe limitations, 44.6% still went outdoors frequently. Among this subgroup, a new emotional relationship (AdjOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.18 to 5.38) was associated with going outdoors, whereas cognitive complaints (AdjOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.93), urinary incontinence (AdjOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.97), dyspnea (AdjOR:0.67, 95%CI:0.48-0.93), and depressive symptoms (AdjOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.93) lowered the odds of going outdoors.ConclusionPhysical limitations are associated with decreased odds of going outdoors frequently. However, social characteristics appear to mitigate this association, even among older persons with severe limitations. Further studies are needed to determine causality and help guide interventions to promote going outdoors as an important component of active ageing.

scholarly journals 13 Effects of Benzodiazepines on Orthostatic Blood Pressure in Older People

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Giulia Rivasi ◽  
Rose Anne Kenny ◽  
Andrea Ungar ◽  
Roman Romero-Ortuno
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older People ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Orthostatic Blood Pressure ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Older people taking benzodiazepines (BDZs) have higher risk of falling, which is mainly attributed to unfavorable drug-related effects on cognition and psychomotor functioning. BDZs may also have hypotensive effects, but evidence concerning the relationship between BDZs and orthostatic blood pressure (BP) behaviour in older people is scarce. We investigated the effects of BDZs on BP response to an orthostatic active stand test. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data from an outpatient research clinic in an Irish university hospital, where people aged 60 or older underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment between August 2007 and May 2009. Non-invasive beat-to-beat orthostatic BP was measured during active stand, with systolic BP assessed at each 10-second interval. Information on regular BDZs use was collected. Factors independently associated with orthostatic systolic BP were investigated using multiple linear regression. Results Of 624 community-dwelling people who underwent a clinic assessment, orthostatic active stand data was collected in 541. Information on regular BDZs use was available in 538 people. Of 538 participants, mean age was 72.7±7.2, 67.7% were female and 33 (6.1%) reported regular use of BDZs. History of falls (p=0.027) and fear of falling (p<0.001) were more prevalent in this subgroup. During active stand, participants on BDZs showed a significantly greater systolic BP drop 10 seconds after the posture change (“immediate” BP drop). No significant differences were detected in orthostatic systolic BP in the latter phases of the active stand. After adjusting for possible confounders, BDZs use was independently associated with a mean immediate systolic BP drop of 12 mmHg after standing. Conclusion BDZs may confer higher risk of an immediate systolic BP drop after standing in older people, which may contribute to their known falls risk. BDZ should be avoided in older people at risk of falling.

scholarly journals Factors associated with temporomandibular dysfunction in the elderly: an integrative literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Fernanda Faccio ◽  
Maria Angélica Bezerra dos Santos ◽  
Taís Arcanjo Maropo da Silva ◽  
Eduarda Correia Moretti ◽  
Maria das Graças Wanderley de Sales Coriolano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Bias Analysis ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Temporomandibular Dysfunction ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale

Abstract Objective: To identify the factors associated with temporomandibular dysfunction among elderly persons. Method: An integrative literature review was carried out, evaluated by scientific publications indexed in five databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, CINAHL and LILACS, without date or language restrictions. The adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the articles. Results: Of the 888 articles from the databases, four were considered eligible for this review. Risk of bias analysis classified one article as low risk and the other as intermediate risk. Conclusion: The factors associated with temporomandibular dysfunction in the elderly indicated by the studies were: female gender, age between 60-70 years, a low income, suffering from tinnitus, dizziness, depression, headache or bruxism; experience temporomandibular joint palpation, masticatory and cervical muscle pain, a low number of teeth and the use of complete dentures.

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