Accidents in Fall Victims

Background: Accidents are the second leading cause of death following cardiovascular disease in all age groups. Falls account for 40% of deaths worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate epidemiologically the victims of falls during a 6-year period by reviewing the medical records of the patients referring to Shahid Rajaee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 12,133 patients admitted to the accident department of Shahid Rajaee hospital from 2009 to 2014. Demographic and other important data, such as age, gender, marital status, the severity of injuries, and survival or death, were collected. Then, the data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Medical records of 12133 fall victims were investigated. The mean age of the patients was 44.87 +/- 20.91 years. The results of the multiple-regression model showed a significant relationship between death rate and age, injury severity, length of hospital stay, and injured body region in the fall victim (P < 0.05). The multiple-regression model also indicated a significant relationship between fall-related death and gender, injury severity, the injured body region, and the length of hospital stay (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The highest mortality rate was observed among fall patients aged over 55 years with a high Injury Severity Score (ISS). Therefore, appropriate strategies should be taken for these patients in order to reduce mortality.