Fall Incidences, Risk Factors, and Health Effects Among Early- and Middle-Aged Elderly People in Rural Areas of Border Provinces in Southern Thailand

Authors

Phnom Sukchan, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand.Follow
Tapanan Prateepko, Health Education Program, Faculty of Education, Prince of Songkhla University, Pattani Province.
Arinda Ma-a-lee, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkhla University, Pattani, Thailand
Kruawan Hounkong, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand
Penporn Sujiwattanarat, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas, Narathiwat Province, Thailand
Gornganok Piboonpol, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Elderly individuals with physical and psychological challenges face a high risk of falls. This study aimed to assess the incidence, health effects of, and risk factors for falls among those aged 60-79 years old in Thailand's three southern border provinces.

Methods: A community cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and September 2022. Questionnaires were administered though verbal face-to-face conversations. Descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression were used.

Results: A total of 419 elderly participants were recruited, while 374 participated in the study. The incidence of falls was 37.4% with an average of 1.7 falls experienced within the past year. Falls occurred inside the home (46.3%) or in an outdoor courtyard near the house (52.9%). The main causes of the falls were tripping, slipping, or experiencing fainting or dizziness, which accounted for 35.7%, 19.3%, and 19.3% of falls. 73.4% of those who fell were injured. Elderly participants with lower education levels and homes with disordered floors had a significantly higher risk of falling.

Conclusion: Falls are a prevalent issue among the elderly in this area. Education level and house floor characteristics were key factors associated with falls among elderly individuals in Thailand's southern border provinces. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions focused on improving living environments and raising awareness of fall risks, which could contribute to fall prevention and enhance quality of life for the elderly.

Keywords: Elderly, Falling, Thailand

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