A population-based study of environmental hazards in the homes of older persons.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to estimate the population-based prevalence of environmental hazards in the homes of older persons and to determine whether the prevalence of these hazards differs by housing type or by level of disability in terms of activities of daily living (ADLs).


METHODS
An environmental assessment was completed in the homes of 1000 persons 72 years and older. Weighted prevalence rates were calculated for each of the potential hazards and subsequently compared among subgroups of participants characterized by housing type and level of ADL disability.


RESULTS
Overall, the prevalence of most environmental hazards was high. Two or more hazards were found in 59% of bathrooms and in 23% to 42% of the other rooms. Nearly all homes had at least 2 potential hazards. Although age-restricted housing was less hazardous than community housing, older persons who were disabled were no less likely to be exposed to environmental hazards than older persons who were nondisabled.


CONCLUSIONS
Environmental hazards are common in the homes of community-living older persons.
Gill
T M
TM
Yale University School of Medicine, Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center, New Haven, CT 06504, USA.
Williams
C S
CS
Robison
J T
JT
Tinetti
M E
ME
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018672:Community Health Planning; D003237:Connecticut; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004779:Environment Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006798:Housing / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*