Health status and fall-related factors among older Korean women: implications for nurses.
This study investigated three aspects of health status (physical, psychological, social), fall experiences, and contributing factors to falls among 226 community-dwelling Korean women older than age 65. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and logistic regression. Four factors were statistically significant regarding falls: equilibrium impairment, gait disturbance, mobility in chair, and number of chronic diseases. Falls efficacy and equilibrium impairment were predicting factors for falls. Older women in rural areas are undertreated and have a high risk of experiencing falls and fall-related injuries. Nurses are on the front line in that they represent the initial level of care.
Jung
Young-Mi
YM
Department of Nursing, Daegu Haany University, Sang-dong, Suseong-gu, Korea.
Shin
Dong-soo
DS
Chung
Kil Soo
KS
Lee
Seoung Eun
SE
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008603:Mental Health; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D004856:Postural Balance; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology; D016387:Women's Health