Premium
Factors associated with home hazards: Findings from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study
Author(s) -
Romli Muhammad H,
Tan Maw P,
Mackenzie Lynette,
Lovarini Meryl,
Kamaruzzaman Shahrul B,
Clemson Lindy
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.13189
Subject(s) - toilet , medicine , proportional hazards model , gerontology , longitudinal study , demographics , environmental health , ethnic group , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , demography , surgery , pathology , sociology , anthropology
Aim Previous studies have investigated home hazards as a risk factor for falls without considering factors associated with the presence of home hazards. The present study aimed to determine patterns of home hazards among urban community‐dwelling older Malaysians, and to identify factors contributing to home hazards. Methods Cross‐sectional data from the initial wave of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study were used. Basic demographics were obtained from the Global Questionnaire. Basic and instrumental activities of daily living were measured using the Katz and Lawton–Brody scales, and home hazards were identified using the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool. Participants were also asked if they had fallen in the previous 12 months. Results Data were analyzed from 1489 participants. Hazards were frequently identified (>30%) in the toilet and bathroom areas (no grab rail, no non‐slip mat, distant toilet), slippery floors, no bedside light access and inappropriate footwear. Lower educational attainment, traditional housing, Chinese ethnicity, greater number of home occupants, lower monthly expenditure, poor vision and younger age were the factors independently associated with home hazards. Conclusions This study provides evidence that home hazards are a product of the interaction of the individual's function within their home environment. Hazards are also influenced by local sociocultural and environmental factors. The relationship between home hazards and falls appears complex and deserves further evaluation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 387–395 .