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Incidence of and risk factors for falls among adults with an intellectual disability
Author(s) -
Cox C. R.,
Clemson L.,
Stancliffe R. J.,
Durvasula S.,
Sherrington C.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01333.x
Subject(s) - incidence (geometry) , medicine , population , injury prevention , poison control , logistic regression , occupational safety and health , suicide prevention , demography , gerontology , fall prevention , pediatrics , environmental health , physics , pathology , sociology , optics
Background Falls among people with intellectual disability (ID) occur at a younger age than the general population and are a significant cause of injury and hospitalisation. There is very limited research investigating risk factors for falls among people with ID and none with people living outside of formal care arrangements, either independently or with their family. We used a medical chart audit to identify the incidence and risk factors for falls among people with ID living in a variety of settings. Methods We retrospectively identified 114 consecutive patients, aged 18 years and over who attended a clinic for people with developmental disabilities within a 15‐month period. Fall information was measured by carer recall of falls in the past 12 months. Potential risk factors were extracted from medical reports and a patient information questionnaire. Potential predictors were identified using univariate analysis and entered into a multiple logistic regression. Results Of 114 participants, 39 (34%) reported a fall in the previous 12 months. The number of reported falls was similar for formal care and non‐formal care arrangements. The vast majority of fallers (84%) reported sustaining an injury from a fall and many potential risk factors were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed having seizures in the past 5 years, a history of fracture and increasing age were risk factors for falls. Conclusions Falls are a significant health concern for adults with ID of all ages as a result of their incidence and the resulting injuries. Falls appear to be equally an issue for people residing in formal and non‐formal care accommodation. Further research is needed to develop screening tools and interventions for this population.