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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Mood Disorders | Research

Low physical activity and depression are the prominent predictive factors for falling in older adults: the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS)

Authors: Sara Mortazavi, Ahmad Delbari, Mohsen Vahedi, Reza Fadayevatan, Mitra Moodi, Hossein Fakhrzadeh, Masoumeh Khorashadizadeh, Ameneh Sobhani, Moloud Payab, Mahbube Ebrahimpur, Hanieh-Sadat Ejtahed, Farshad Sharifi

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

Falling in the older adults has many irreparable consequences, including hospitalization to long-term care centers and loss of independence, depression and social isolation, financial burden, and death. The present study was conducted to estimate the incidence of falls and their associated factors among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This program is a population-based prospective cohort study (≥ 60 years) in Birjand City from 2019 to 2020. A total of 1418 participants were included in the study, and 1344 participants were analyzed according to the inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine risk factors were evaluated. Basic information included demographic information, lifestyle factors, general health and medical history, and mental and functional health.

Result

The incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults in the previous approximately 24 months in the present study was 9.26% in women and 2.65% in men. In the multiple Cox proportional regression model based on fall risk factors, there was a strong significant relationship between male sex (HR = 0.37, CI = 0.21 to 0.64), being physically active (HR = 0.59, CI = 0.36 to 0.96), moderate-to-severe depression (HR = 2.97, CI = 1.47 to 6.01), severe depression (HR = 3.26, CI = 1.24 to 8.54), and high risk of falls according to the TUG test (HR = 1.73, CI = 1.10 to 2.72).

Conclusions

Inactivity and depression were recognized as important factors in falls in older adults. It is recommended for older adults to have an active lifestyle to prevent falls and to prioritize the diagnosis and treatment of depression in older adults. Women as a group at higher risk should be considered in prevention programs. In addition, the use of the TUG test to identify high-risk older adults should be considered.
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Metadata
Title
Low physical activity and depression are the prominent predictive factors for falling in older adults: the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS)
Authors
Sara Mortazavi
Ahmad Delbari
Mohsen Vahedi
Reza Fadayevatan
Mitra Moodi
Hossein Fakhrzadeh
Masoumeh Khorashadizadeh
Ameneh Sobhani
Moloud Payab
Mahbube Ebrahimpur
Hanieh-Sadat Ejtahed
Farshad Sharifi
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04469-x

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