To study the determinants of falls, fractures and frailty in elderly attending HSK hospital and research centre Bagalkot – an observational study

Introduction: Population ageing is a global phenomenon. Ageing is a physiological process that starts from birth, continues throughout life and ends with death. In India, according the census 2011, there are nearly 104 million elderly persons. 53 million are females and 51 million are males. Assessment of falls and the determining factors leading to falls gives us the corrective measures to be taken to avoid falls among elderly. Objective: To study the determinants of falls, fractures and frailty among elderly visiting OPD/IPD in a tertiary care HSK hospital in Bagalkot. Materials and Methods: An observational study conducted in HSK hospital, among 60 Elderly on falls, fractures and frailty visiting IPD/OPD. Information on socio-demographic data, history of falls, fractures and the determinants of falls, fractures and frailty details were collected with a pre-designed, pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Chi square test was applied to look for the association between the determinants and age and gender. Results: Among 60 elderly populations 50 (83.33%) were between 60-74 years age and 10 (16.66%) were above 75 years age. Among 50, 38 (63.33%) were females and 22(36.66%) males. Hypertension, vertigo, giddiness, use of walker, showed statistically significant association between age and the determinants of falls. Also, other determinants like, falls during transferring; falls due to imbalance, slips also had association. Conclusion: Falls are very common among the elderly. The findings provide us with an opportunity to understand the risk factors still better, and need for rehabilitation, implement policies to reduce the risk of falls leading to fractures and frailty.