Prediction Model for Contributing Factors to Fall Risk among Elderly in Korea Using Decision Tree Analysis

This study reviewed the factors affecting falls based on the results of National survey of Older Koreans in 2017(n=10,235) and2020(n=10,097) before and after COVID-19, and analyzed the structural relationships of risk factors for falls through decision tree analysis. The incidence of falls was 15.9% in 2017 and 6.4% in 2020. The decrease in reported incidents of falls during the COVID-19 pandemicis attributed to the reduced outdoor activities and restrictions on mobility, which naturally result in fewer opportunities for falls to occur. In summarizing the decision tree analysis findings from 2020 and 2017, it is evident that hospitalization, low health satisfaction, and challengesin performing independent activities of daily living are factors associated with an increased risk of falling. Additionally, depression, includingspousal factors, which may contribute to decreased physical activity, is also linked to falls. Recognizing these significant factors allowsfor the early identification of high-risk groups for falls and enables the implementation of interventions aimed at preventing falls more effectively.