Prevalence of Risk of Fall in Layyah Among Geriatrics

Background: The elderly population is increasingly susceptible to falls, which frequently result in morbidity and mortality. Elderly residents in long-term care facilities are particularly prone to falls. Identifying fall risk factors in elderly residents can aid in the management and mitigation of falls within this demographic. Objective: To assess the prevalence of fall risk among geriatrics in Layyah, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to September 2023 across various clinics, hospitals, homes, and community settings in Layyah. A total of 120 elderly men and women aged 60 and above were included using convenient sampling. Participants with severe illness, neurological disorders, or those unable to walk were excluded. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was employed as the primary assessment tool, with scores below 45 indicating an increased fall risk. Data were collected by trained personnel and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to present the frequency and percentage distribution of variables, including age, gender, and performance on BBS tasks. Results: Of the 120 participants, 60% were female and 40% were male, with a mean age of 70.3 years (SD = 5.8). The BBS assessment revealed that 32.5% (n=39) of participants were at high risk of falls, 35% (n=42) were at moderate risk, and 32.5% (n=39) were at minimal risk. Significant gender differences were observed, with 60% of women reporting a fear of falls compared to 40% of men. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of fall risk among the elderly in Layyah, with women exhibiting a higher risk and fear of falling compared to men. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce fall risk and improve balance among older adults.