146 Prevalence and Associated Factors for Falls among Medical Patients in an Outpatient Clinic Setting

Background Falls is a major public health concern. In the older population, it is a risk factor for disability, frailty and further disability. However, most data is focused in Nursing Home residence and non-Asian population. Furthermore, despite Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) often attributed to falls, there is little data in the Malaysian population. Objective To identify the prevalence of fall and associated factors among medical patients in the outpatient clinic. Also to determine incidence of orthostatic hypotension and associated factors in the outpatient clinic. This is done through a series of tests that includes blood pressure measurement. Design Cross-sectional study was performed in an outpatient medical clinic. Analysis was performed with independent sample t-test for continuous data and chi-square test for categorical data. Setting Medical Outpatient Clinic in Hospital Sg Buloh. Results A total 352 patients were recruited. 191 (54.3%) reported having history of falls and 51 patients (14.52%) had evidence of orthostatic hypotension (OH). Majority of falls occurred at home (42.9%). Mean age for fallers are 45.37 ( SD 14.859) and for non-fallers are 48.39 (SD 13.12). Those on calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor blockers is associated with history of falls (p-value <0.05). Those with Diabetes Mellitus are associated with more OH (p-value 0.04). Certain medications, notably anti-platelet, insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents is also associated with OH. Conclusion Those who are single are associated with history of falls. Calcium channel blocker and ACEi/ARB are associated with those with history of prior falls. Amongst medical conditions, only diabetes is associated with OH. The findings so far provided a platform for improving understanding factors for falls in the outpatient setting. As the numbers are relatively small, we hope to continue the study. This will hopefully be able to give insight on possible factors associated in falls in our community.