Falls among Older Adults: A Community-Based Study in Rural Kerala, India

The study examined the frequency and correlates of falls among community dwelling older adults (≥60 years) in rural Kerala. We did a cross-sectional survey among 202 older adults using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Falls in the previous year was reported by 27%, among them, 20% fell more than once making a total of 74 falls. Injuries were reported among 58% of the fallers. Slips were the frequent cause of fall (25.6%). Most falls happened outdoors (77%). Age-sex adjusted results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those having any morbidity, those with a history of previous falls and those with no formal education were more likely to fall compared to their counterparts. Awareness programs on the risk of falls for older adults and their close relatives are required in this population. Prevention strategies should focus on those having any morbidity, those with a history of previous falls and those without formal education.