Association Between Falls and Chronic Health Conditions Among Adults in Residential Care Facilities: Analysis of the National Survey of Residential Care Facilities (NSRCF) Data
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abstract
Objective: This study attempts to examine the effects of stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer/dementia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), age, gender, and Medicaid status on falls for adults in residential care facilities. Methods: Univariate analysis was conducted to examine the distribution of resident demographic characteristics, health conditions, and Medicaid status for the entire sample. Bivariate analyses (Chi-square test of independence) were also conducted to determine if there were any statistically significant associations between independent and dependent variables. Finally, multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the effects of stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer/dementia, and COPD, age, gender, and Medicaid status on the likelihood of any falls in the past year among adult residents in residential care facilities. Results: Overall, our model is statistically significant compared to an empty model. The multivariable logistic regression model was statistically significant (2 (8) = 116.57, p < 0.001). Of the seven-predictor variables, only five variables were statistically significant: age, gender, heart disease, Alzheimers /Dementia, and Medicaid status. COPD and stroke were a not-statistically significant predictor of falls. Conclusion: Falls have been associated with several different risk factors. Age or gender are risk factors that cannot be altered. However, many other fall risk factors can be controlled (e.g., muscle strength, number of medications, balance). Appropriate assessments can help to identify those residents who have an increased risk of falls. Assessment should include the underlying causes and plans to reduce the negative impact of falls in older adults.
