Autumnal hazards: A study on falls among the elderly in the Madinah region—Prevalence, risk factors, and consequences

Abstract

Objective: Our study aims to identify effective interventions and preventive measures to reduce falls among elder adults in the Madinah region. It seeks to offer recommendations for policymakers, community stakeholders and healthcare professionals to strengthen fall prevention and provide recommendations to improve their safety and well-being. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving Saudi and non-Saudi residents aged 65 and elder in Madinah. We used questionnaire surveys to gather demographic information, fall experiences, and health status over the past year to evaluate fall incidence and related factors Results: Among 189 participants, the study found a significant prevalence of falls, with 41.5% reporting falls within the past year. Of those who fell, 50.79% experienced multiple falls and post-fall injuries during the year period. The study identified potential preventable risk factors in participants' daily routines. Conclusion: The high prevalence of falls among elder adults in Madinah highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions. While the study focused on identifying effective preventive measures, it also uncovered risk factors that contribute to falls, suggesting the need for tailored prevention strategies. Addressing these risk factors is crucial for improving the health and safety of the elderly population