社區老人跌倒相關因素之探討

Factors Related to Falls among the Community-Dwelling Elderly

本研究旨在探討社區老人跌倒現況及影響其跌倒相關因素。本研究採橫斷面之研究，共有118位65歲以上老人完成問卷訪談與平衡能力檢測。研究結果發現有34%的研究對象在過去一年有跌倒經驗。其跌倒預測因子為整體自評健康（OR=0.938, 95% CI=0.900-0.997）、靜態平衡之單腳閉眼平衡（OR=0.788, 95% CI=0.626-0.933）及平衡之活動功能（OR=1.184, 95% CI=1.026-1.367）。跌倒是老人健康威脅要素，簡易跌倒評估應該包括自覺健康及平衡能力。當個案自覺健康及平衡能力不佳，健康專業人員應該提供適當介入，降低社區老人跌倒危險性。

The purpose of this study was to investigate falls among community elderly and the factors related thereto. The cross-sectional method was utilized in this study. A sample of 118 subjects aged 65 and over completed structured questionnaires and balance tests. Forty participants (34%) had fallen once or more in the past. Multivariate logistic regression showed that incidents of falls were significantly related to general perceived health status (OR=0.938, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.900-0.997), one legged stance with eyes closed (OR=0.788, 95% CI=0.626-0.933), and mobility (OR=1.184, 95% CI=1.026-1.367). Falling is a major health risk for older adults. Health professionals can therefore develop fall preventive programs with a focus on monitoring perceived health status, dynamic balance, and mobility ability, and interventions that are associated with these factors.