Abstract: SA-PO160
Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in Older Americans with CKD
Session Information
- Nutrition, Inflammation, Metabolism: Clinical Trials, Biomarkers, Epidemiology
November 04, 2017 | Location: Hall H, Morial Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Category: Nutrition, Inflammation, and Metabolism
- 1401 Nutrition, Inflammation, Metabolism
Authors
- Kistler, Brandon, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
- Khubchandani, Jagdish, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
- Jakubowicz, Gina, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
- Wilund, Ken, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Sosnoff, Jacob J., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
Background
Falls are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in older adults (age ≥65 years). Within older adult populations, few studies have identified the risk factors for falls in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Previous studies have primarily been based on small convenience samples from healthcare facilities, emphasized severely ill patients, and explored only a few predictors of falls. This has led to conflicting data on risk factors for falling. Therefore, our objective was to examine the prevalence and predictors of falls in older adults with CKD from a large non-hospitalized population-based sample.
Methods
Using complex sample data analysis procedures, we analyzed the US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to assess the prevalence and predictors of falls and fall-related injuries among older adults with CKD.
Results
The sample contained 157,753 older adults (56% female, 77% White, 57% in the age range of 65-75 years) with a fall prevalence of 28.7% within the last year. Within the sample, 9,116 (6.1%) had a diagnosis of CKD and 32,669 (23.5%) had diabetes. In multiple logistic regression models, individuals with CKD were more likely than those without CKD to report falls (OR 1.81 [95% CI] (1.63-2.01)) and fall-related injuries (OR 1.49 (1.26-1.77)) even after adjusting for demographic characteristics and chronic conditions. Within the CKD group, females (OR=1.71, p<0.01), non-whites (OR=1.17, p<0.05), diabetics (OR=1.21, p<0.05), those who used any special equipment, such as cane/wheelchair (OR=2.79, p<0.001), and those who had limited activity due to physical or mental problems (OR=2.23, p<0.001) had the highest odds of reporting falls. Furthermore, there was a trend for increased falls with increasing age category (p=0.06).
Conclusion
Falls and fall-related injuries are highly prevalent in elderly individuals with CKD, particularly in women, special equipment users, and those with limited activity. Multifactorial fall prevention strategies should be designed to target these at-risk populations.