A Study To Assess The Risk For Fall And Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:

Falls and cognitive impairment are frequent geriatric conditions that have a major impact on morbidity, independence and quality of life in elderly people. Timely identification of those at risk is crucial for timely preventative interventions.

Aim:

To assess the risk for fall and cognitive impairment among older adults and to determine their association with selected risk factors.

Methods:

The cross-sectional study was undertaken on a sample of 360 older people. Sociodemographic data, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities were collected. The STEADI tool was used to assess the risk of falls and the Mini-Cog was used to assess cognitive impairment. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the associations between risk factors and outcomes, and p <0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results:

The 360 participants included the majority of the age group 60-69 years (62.2%) and females accounted for 52.9% of the participants in the study. Hypertension (37.4%) and diabetes mellitus (25.8%) were the most common comorbidities. Thirty of the participants (79.5%) were identified as having a fall risk and 16 (4.2%) had cognitive impairment. Advanced age (p = 0.029), female gender (p = 0.047), multiple comorbidities (p = 0.021), overweight/obesity (p = 0.034), and smaller household size (p = 0.018) were significant factors associated with fall risk. Older age (p = 0.012) and having more than one co-morbidity (p = 0.041) were significant factors associated with cognitive impairment.

Conclusion:

Fall risk was more prevalent amongst older adults while cognitive impairment was less common. The multiple comorbidities and aging increased the risk of falls and cognitive impairment. Elderly persons can benefit from routine screening and early multidimensional interventions, which can help improve health outcomes and quality of life for older persons.