PREVALENCE OF FALLS AMONG OLDER PEOPLE ATTENDING A PRIMARY CARE CLINIC IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Introduction : the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the pattern of falls in community dwelling older people attending a primary care clinic in kuala lumpur, malaysia. methods : a cross sectional study was conducted in an urban primary care clinic. participants aged 60 years and older were included in the study. a structured questionnaire, assessing socio-demographic variables, medical and falls history was administered by one investigator over a 3-month period in 2004. results : a total of 151 respondents participated in this study with a response rate of 72%. the prevalence of falls was 47.0% over the previous 12-months period. fifty-seven percent reported experiencing recurrent falls. majority (61%) of falls occurred in the home and the two most common places were the bathroom (27%) and stairs (27%). sixty-one percent of older people who fell, sustained an injury and most sought medical attention. conclusion : in conclusion, falls are common amongst older people attending this primary care clinic. it occurred commonly in the home in the bathroom and near stairs. however, a larger local community study is warranted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for falls in malaysia.