Analysis Of Risk Factors For Falls Among The Elderly

Abstract

Falls are a major health problem among older adults and may result in injuries, functional limitations, loss of independence, and increased healthcare utilization. Fall risk is multifactorial and may involve intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including age, previous falls, balance impairment, muscle weakness, visual impairment, medication use, comorbidities, and environmental hazards. To analyze factors associated with fall risk among older adults. A quantitative analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in August 2026 in the working area of Sukamaju Public Health Center. A total of 78 older adults were selected using purposive sampling. Independent variables included age, history of falls, muscle strength, balance, visual impairment, use of fall-risk medications, comorbidities, and home environmental conditions. Fall risk was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and categorized into low and high risk. Bivariate analysis used the chi-square test, while multivariate analysis used logistic regression. Of the 78 older adults, 43 (55.1%) were classified as having high fall risk and 35 (44.9%) as having low fall risk. Significant associations were found between fall risk and history of falls (p=0.002), muscle strength (p=0.011), balance impairment (p<0.001), visual impairment (p=0.019), use of fall-risk medications (p=0.028), comorbidities (p=0.037), and home environmental conditions (p=0.014). Age was not significantly associated with fall risk (p=0.083). Multivariate analysis showed that balance impairment was the strongest determinant of fall risk, with an odds ratio of 4.72. History of falls, muscle strength, balance, visual impairment, medication use, comorbidities, and environmental conditions are associated with fall risk among older adults. Balance impairment is the strongest determinant.