Risk factors for falling in older Mexican Americans.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of falls and the risk factors associated with falls in Mexican-American men and women aged 72 and older, from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly.


METHODS
A 2-year cohort study.


METHODS
Five Southwestern states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California.


METHODS
Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, cognitive function, affective function, functional status, body mass index, and summary performance measures of lower body function, were obtained (1998-1999). Two years later (2000-2001), falls in the previous 12 months were assessed by self-report. Chi-square, univariate statistics, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used.


RESULTS
Of the 1,391 participants, 31.8% fell one or more times, and 14.2% reported 2 or more falls. In the logistic regression analysis, aged > or = 80 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.17-1.98), being female (OR=1.45, 95% CI 1.13-1.86), having diabetes (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.06-1.77), having arthritis (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.68), experiencing impairment of instrumental activities of daily living (OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10), and exhibiting high depressive symptoms (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.16-2.19), were significant (P<.05) independent risk factors for one or more falls. The risk of falling increased linearly with the number of risk factors, from 14% with none, to 41% with 3 or more risk factors (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of falls among older Mexican Americans was similar to that reported in non-Hispanic Caucasians. Potential modifiable conditions, such as functional deficits, arthritis, diabetes, and depressive symptoms were independent risk factors for falls in this population.
Reyes-Ortiz
Carlos A
CA
Division of Geriatrics, Sealy Center on Aging, Galveston, Texas, USA.
Al Snih
Soham
S
Loera
José
J
Ray
Laura A
LA
Markides
Kyriakos
K
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015206:Southwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology