Charlemagne Marcha, Jan Milline Bagares, Keith Bryan Bulilan, Lovely Jane Polizon, Samantha Rarugal, Maria Angelica Faderogaya, Jasmine Rae Maranan-Gutierrez, Jamilah Gail Florendo, Isaiah Frandell Sam Mari
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to assess the statistical data regarding the prevalence of falls and its significant relationship to risk-associated factors in elderly individuals 60 years old and above. This study sought to explore the following: (1) examine the fall prevalence of elderly individuals during the past 12 months in the Philippine setting, (2) distinguish the risk factors of falls, (3) assess the relationship of prevalence and risk factors of falls among elderly individuals in the Philippines.
This study will be useful to healthcare practitioners, especially physical therapists, in establishing fall prevention programs and management strategies among elderly population.
Methods:
A descriptive comparative study was used in this study which aims to differentiate the relationship between the prevalence of falls and its risk-associated factors. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed, wherein out of 412 individuals qualified to participate, a sample size of 135 elderly individuals aged 60-year-old and above, living in 7 Barangays in Pasay City was gathered. Age, gender, height and weight of each respondent were taken. The researchers developed a questionnaire that was adapted from Falls History Questionnaire Material. Additionally, RAPA and Berg Balance Scale were utilized to quantify Physical Activity and Balance respectively.
Results:
The study investigated risk factors for falls among senior citizens in Pasay city. Findings showed that 68.9% of seniors had fallen and 60% were at medium risk of falling. Balance was the most significant predictor of falls, followed by activity level and BMI. Most seniors, about 65.2%, led sedentary lifestyles, a critical factor considering the increased fall risk associated with low physical activity levels. The balance assessments showed that 60% of the seniors are at a medium risk for falls. While BMI and activity levels did not directly correlate with fall risk, balance showed a strong association, with a p-value of 0.004.
Conclusion(s):
These findings emphasize the critical role of balance in fall prevention among elderly and advocate for targeted interventions focusing on balance training to reduce fall incidents effectively. It is recommended that balance training should be the main focus to manage and address the rising incidence of fall among elderly.
Implications:
The study suggests that interventions to prevent falls should focus on improving balance and encompass a broad range of factors. The results of this study will be turned into action by means of intervention, action research, and prevention strategies that will be beneficial for the geriatric population in the Philippine setting.
Funding acknowledgements:
unfunded
Keywords:
falls
elderly
balance
Primary topic:
Older people
Second topic:
Health promotion and wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
Manila Adventist College Ethics Review Committee
Provide the ethics approval number:
2023-08
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No
