Characteristics of outdoor falls among older people: a qualitative study

被引:75
作者
Nyman, Samuel R. [1 ,2 ]
Ballinger, Claire [3 ]
Phillips, Judith E. [4 ]
Newton, Rita [5 ]
机构
[1] Bournemouth Univ, Dementia Inst, Poole BH12 5BB, Dorset, England
[2] Bournemouth Univ, Psychol Res Ctr, Sch Design Engn & Comp, Poole BH12 5BB, Dorset, England
[3] Univ Southampton, Fac Med, Res Design Serv South Cent, Southampton SO16 6YD, Hants, England
[4] Swansea Univ, Ctr Innovat Ageing, Swansea SA2 8PP, W Glam, Wales
[5] Univ Salford, Sch Built Environm, SURFACE Inclus Design Res Ctr, Salford M5 4WT, Lancs, England
基金
英国艺术与人文研究理事会; 英国经济与社会研究理事会; 英国生物技术与生命科学研究理事会; 英国医学研究理事会; 英国工程与自然科学研究理事会;
关键词
Accidental falls; Outdoors; Older people; Environment and public health; Fear of falls; Qualitative research; PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY; ADULTS; WALKING; COMMUNITY; PREVENTION; MOBILITY; HEALTH; ENVIRONMENT; BARRIERS; INJURY;
D O I
10.1186/1471-2318-13-125
中图分类号
R592 [老年病学]; C [社会科学总论];
学科分类号
03 ; 0303 ; 100203 ;
摘要
Background: Falls are a major threat to older people's health and wellbeing. Approximately half of falls occur in outdoor environments but little is known about the circumstances in which they occur. We conducted a qualitative study to explore older people's experiences of outdoor falls to develop understanding of how they may be prevented. Methods: We conducted nine focus groups across the UK (England, Wales, and Scotland). Our sample was from urban and rural settings and different environmental landscapes. Participants were aged 65+ and had at least one outdoor fall in the past year. We analysed the data using framework and content analyses. Results: Forty-four adults aged 65-92 took part and reported their experience of 88 outdoor falls. Outdoor falls occurred in a variety of contexts, though reports suggested the following scenarios may have been more frequent: when crossing a road, in a familiar area, when bystanders were around, and with an unreported or unknown attribution. Most frequently, falls resulted in either minor or moderate injury, feeling embarrassed at the time of the fall, and anxiety about falling again. Ten falls resulted in fracture, but no strong pattern emerged in regard to the contexts of these falls. Anxiety about falling again appeared more prevalent among those that fell in urban settings and who made more visits into their neighbourhood in a typical week. Conclusions: This exploratory study has highlighted several aspects of the outdoor environment that may represent risk factors for outdoor falls and associated fear of falling. Health professionals are recommended to consider outdoor environments as well as the home setting when working to prevent falls and increase mobility among older people.
引用
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页数:14
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