Characteristics of Falls Among Older People — China, 2018

Summary What is already known about this topic? The incidence of falls among older people is 20.7% in China. Falls are the top cause for death from injuries in people aged 65 years and above, and mortality rates increase with age in China. There are few reports on the epidemiological characteristics of falls in older people nationwide in recent years. What is added by this report? This study found that among older people with falls reported in the National Injury Surveillance System (NISS) in 2018, there were more females than males. The peak time for falls was in the morning. Home was the most common site where falls occurred, and leisure activities and housework were the main activities when falls occurred. After falling, the lower limbs and head were most often injured with bruises and fractures. The degree of injury was mainly mild and moderate. What are the implications for public health practice? Data based on the NISS can be used as an additional data source for research on falls in China. This study identified priorities for the control and prevention of falls.