BACKGROUND: Falls pose a significant health risk for the elderly, frequently resulting in serious injuries and diminished quality of life. Understanding the prevalence and influencing factors of falls among older adults in various environments, such as urban and rural settings, is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. METHODS: In 2022, a multistage cluster random sampling approach was employed to select a total of 3,072 participants aged 60 and above from eight districts or counties in Chongqing. Structured questionnaires via face-to-face interviews were used to evaluate demographic characteristics, fall-related risk factors, fall occurrence, and fall-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). Chi-square tests were carried out to contrast the differences in the 12-month prevalence of falls, and a multivariate logistic backward Wald regression analysis was conducted to pinpoint the factors related to falls. RESULTS: The weighted 12-month prevalence of falls among adults aged ≥ 60 years in Chongqing was 20.28% (15.95% in urban areas and 24.78% in rural areas). while the unweighted crude prevalence was 26.95% (828/3,072). Among those who fell (n = 828), 25.36% experienced exactly two falls, and 16.67% experienced three or more falls. The rate of injury from falls was 56.64%. Multivariate analysis showed that the associated factors of falls among older adults included female sex (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.19-2.18) in urban, OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.20-2.00 in rural), fear of falling (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.23-2.32 in urban, OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.36-2.50 in rural), "general" self-reported health condition (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.02-2.10 in rural), "poor" self-reported health condition (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.57-3.53 in rural), heart disease (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.29-2.51 in urban), asthma (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.08-4.14 in urban), ADL(function decline: OR = 2.12, 95% CI:1.35-3.30 in urban, functional disability: OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.48-4.25 in urban). CONCLUSIONS: It has been observed that a high prevalence of falls exists among the aged population in Chongqing, China. The elements related to falls among the senior citizens in both the urban and rural areas of Chongqing present certain resemblances as well as distinctions. Therefore, putting into practice targeted interventions that are specially devised for the elderly in diverse regions may turn out to be more efficient in lessening the risk of falls.
Yang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.