Differences of Prevalence and Associated Factors of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older People with Hypertension

Purpose: A comprehensive analysis of demographical, disease, functional status and fall risk related factors identified factors associated with falls in elderly hypertensive. Method: A descriptive research design was used. The participants were 124 persons aged 65 years or older registered at the community center in Daegu city. The data were collected from October, 2008 to February, 2009. Frequency, Fisher's exact test, -test, t-test, and logistic regression were done using the SPSS V17.0. Results: Ninety (72.6%) subjects had experienced falls. The occurrence differed according to number of medications, activities of daily living and competence of vision. Logistic analysis revealed number of medication and impaired vision as independent risk factors for subsequent falls. Conclusion: Supportive nursing for the elderly needs to focus on dizziness and impaired vision to prevent falls in community-dwelling elderly with hypertension.