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Supportive Care in Cancer

Published in:

01-02-2014 | Original Article

Predictors of falls among community-dwelling older adults with cancer: results from the health and retirement study

Authors: Tuo-Yu Chen, Megan C. Janke

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Cancer symptoms and the side effects of its treatment can increase the risk of falling among older adults with cancer. This study aimed to identify predictors of falling and recurrent falls among community-dwelling older adults with cancer over a 2-year period.

Methods

Data from the Health and Retirement Study were used (N = 1,630) in this study. The sample had a mean age of 75 years and was mostly female (53 %) and white (89 %). Descriptive analyses, correlation analyses, and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data.

Results

The results showed that functional limitations (OR = 1.13, 95 % CI = 1.03–1.24), the full-tandem stance (OR = 1.48, 95 % CI = 1.01–2.16), and self-reported difficulties with balance (OR = 1.50, 95 % CI = 1.23–1.83) at time 1 were significant predictors of falling at time 2. Only difficulties with self-reported balance (OR = 1.84, 95 % CI = 1.44–2.36) at time 1 were found to be a predictor of recurrent falls at time 2.

Conclusions

The consequences of falling can complicate the course of cancer treatment. Measures of functional limitations and balance have the potential to be quick and useful clinical tools to detect falling among seniors with cancer living in communities.

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Title: Predictors of falls among community-dwelling older adults with cancer: results from the health and retirement study
Authors: Tuo-Yu Chen
Megan C. Janke
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-2000-7

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

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Conclusions

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