The frequency of fall, fear of fall and its related factors among Iranian elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Fall is a common health problem among elder and can have many physical and psychological consequences, including injuries, mobility problem, hospitalization, institutionalization, fear of falling again and even death.

Objective

The aim of present study was to assess the frequency of fall, fear of fall and its related factors among Iranian elders by systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

The data was gathered from the literature published in Scopus, Magiran, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, and Web of Science. The search strategy was done using the following combined text and MeSH terms included “elderly fall”, “accidental fall”, “prevalence of fall”, “fear of fall”, and “risk factor for fall”. Persian equivalents of these keywords were also searched in Iranian databases. The time span included articles published within 2007–2017. The data was analyzed using STATA (version 14) software and meta-regression.

Results

The mean number of fall events among elders was 1.9 (95 % CI: 1.15–2.64, P = 0.072) within the past year. The fall rate was obtained 32 % (95 % CI: 0.30–0.34, P < 0.001) in the recent year. Fear of fall frequency was also 41 % (95 % CI: 0.38–0.45, P < 0.001) in elders. Fall events were more prevalent in elders living in nursing homes residents compared with those resided in home 36 % (95 % CI: 32–39). The highest rate of fall was recorded in night as 25 % (95 % CI: 0.21–0.29, P < 0.12). The stairs, aisle and yard comprised the most common places of fall events as 35 % (95 % CI: 0–27.42, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings revealed high prevalence of fall and fear of fall among Iranian elders. These results can assist the policy makers of elderly health institutes, elderly nurses, and families with elder members to know risk factors and implement safety measures in homes and institutions to reduce fall episodes among elders.