Publication: Risk factors of home injury among elderly people in Malaysia
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Section of Proposal Development, Institute For Public Health
Abstract
Background. Home injuries among elderly people are a public health
concern. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors
of home injuries among elderly people in Malaysia.
Methods. The Third National Health and Morbidity survey in 2006
was carried out from April to July 2006. The sample was proportional to
population size and selected in 2 stages. Data were collected through
face-to-face interviews using a validated questionnaire. Only injuries
occurring within the previous year were included to avoid recall bias.
The types of home injury, places where the injuries occurred, ability to
work after the injury, and hospital admission were recorded, as were
demographic variables such as sex, age, marital status, ethnicity, and
residential area.
Results. Of 4842 respondents aged ≥60 years, 279 (5.8%) had
experienced some kind of home injury within the previous year. The
most common types of injury were fall (n=205), cuts (n=43), and being
struck by objects (n=14). The most common injury locations were the
kitchen (n=81), garden (n=65), bathroom/toilet (n=45), living room
(n=26), bedroom (n=22), and stairs (n=21). Home injury rates were
significantly higher among women than men (7.4% vs. 3.9%, p<0.001).
Married elderly people were less likely to have a home injury than
divorced/widowed or single elderly people (4.9% vs. 8.0% vs. 8.0%).
Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that women (adjusted
odds ratio [OR]=1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.37-2.55) and
respondents aged 70-74 years (adjusted OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.02-2.07)
were more likely to sustain a home injury.
Conclusion. With the increase in the elderly population, home injury
prevention programmes are urgently needed.
Description
Keywords
Accidental falls, Health services for the aged, Malaysia, Wounds and injuries