34. Đánh giá cảm giác sợ ngã và nguy cơ ngã ở người bệnh cao tuổi điều trị nội trú tại khoa xương khớp - nội tiết Bệnh viện Đa khoa tỉnh Thanh Hóa

Abstract

Fear of falling (FOF) and fall risk are prominent clinical challenges among the elderly, particularly among inpatients with chronic diseases. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and association between fear of falling and fall risk in 362 elderly inpatients (mean age 71.37 years old; 53.9% female) at the Department of Musculoskeletal-Endocrinology, Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital, using the FES-I scale and JHFRAT tool. Results showed that FOF was highly prevalent (65.5% had FOF; mean FES-I 31.57 ± 13.87), alongside a high rate of fall risk (64.4% with moderate/high risk; mean JHFRAT 7.82 ± 4.23). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified older age (especially ≥ 70 years old, OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.27 - 6.48), polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs, OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 2.33 - 6.94), and the presence of FOF (assessed by FES-I, OR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.91 - 6.33) as independent factors significantly associated with moderate/high fall risk (all p < 0.001). In conclusion, FOF is not only common but also a significant criteria independent of fall risk in this inpatient population, alongside with advanced age and polypharmacy. The study underscores the necessity of integrating FOF assessment into routine fall risk screening protocols to guide more comprehensive and effective prevention strategies.