Incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults in Turkey and its relationship with pain and insomnia

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults and the impact of pain and insomnia on falls. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 659 older adults. Pain was assessed by the Geriatric Pain Measure, and insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index. The history of falls was assessed within the last 12 months. Risk factors for falls were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: The incidence of falls within the last year was 37.2%. Based on the analyses, pain and insomnia were found to be risk factors for falls. Conclusion: In this study, falls were observed as a common problem among community-dwelling older adults, and pain and insomnia were determined as risk factors for falls. Therefore, pain and insomnia should be addressed when prevention of falls among community-dwelling older adults are planned by health care professionals including nurses. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd