6 ^th Asia Pacific Geriatrics and Gerontology Congress

Biography

Biography: Xing Xing Qian

Abstract

Fall has become public health priority worldwidely since increasing aging population. However, it remained uncertain whether same epidemiology existed in single and recurrent fall. Present study compared demographic characteristics of single and recurrent fallers among Chinese frail community-dwelling older population, examined their time trend and seasonality. A total of 89,100 Chinese community-dwelling seniors aged 65 or above first applying for long-term care services from 2005 to 2014 in Hong Kong were included. Chi-squre test was used to compare demographic characteristics between single and recurrent fallers. Logistic regression models were used to examine time trend and seasonality in single and recurrent fall, controlling for gender and age. About 21% of seniors fell once within past 90 days, and 11% fell recurrently. The oldest-old (aged 85 or above) and women were associated with higher single fall risk, but lower recurrent fall risk. For single fall within past 90 days, the risk reduced by 1.5% (95% CI 0.9%-2.1%) annually and was the highest during November to the next February with an OR of 1.29 (95% CI 1.19-1.41). For recurrent fall within past 90 days, the risk decreased 3.8% (95% CI 3.0%-4.5%) annually and was the highest during November to the next February (OR=1.46, 95% CI 1.31-1.64). More emphasis on recurrent fall interventions should be targetted at the seniors aged 65 to 84 and males. Meanwhile, fall-related health education and reminders  are required in fall season to prevent both single and recurrent fall.