The determinants of falls among the elderly living in long-term care facilities in the City of Cape Town
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Date
2023
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Background: Falls are a common health burden with a multi-factorial origin causing physical, psychological, and social problems for the elderly and the society at large, especially within low- and middle-income countries, such as South Africa. Aim: Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify the determinants of falls in the elderly who are living in various long-term care (retirement) facilities in the City of Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: This study used the social-ecological theory, which functions on multiple levels in the study, interacting on an individual level, as well as recognising the impact of the environment. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive design to investigate the elderly, aged 60 years and older, living in retirement facilities in the City of Cape Town. A total of 258 male and female participants were recruited using convenient sampling. A researcher-generated and self-administered questionnaire, based on the following sociodemographic characteristics, namely, age, gender, educational level, marital status, and medical history, was used for data collection in the study. The Fall Risk Assessment Tool, the Berg Balance Scale, the Dynamic Gait Index, the Timed Up-and-Go test, and the Mini Mental State Examination were the research instruments used in the study. The WHO COVID-19 safety protocol was observed throughout the period of physical testing of the participants.
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Keywords
Falls, Risk factor, Elderly, Determinants, Long-term care facilities