5. Factors related to risk of falls among older post-stroke patients

Tran Viet Luc, Nguyen Trung Anh, Nguyen Thi Thu Huong

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Abstract

This study was conducted to identify factors related to fall risk among older post-stroke patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 107 post-stroke patients aged ≥ 60 years old treated at the National Geriatric Hospital. Fall risk was assessed using the 21-item Fall Risk Index. The percentage of participants with a high risk of falling was 69.2%. There were significant differences between the high risk of falls and the levels of disability, depression, and instrumental activities of daily living. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that mild to severe disability after stroke (OR=4.005) and patients with impairment of instrumental activities of daily living (OR=3.844) were significantly associated with an increased risk of falls in elderly post-stroke patients. This study showed two in three participants have a high risk of falls. Disability levels, instrumental activities of daily living, and depression were associated with a high risk of falls.

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References

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