Risk Factors Associated with Body Injuries due to Falls in a Teaching Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives:  The objective of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with fall injuries among patients in King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Methods:  A retrospective cohort study based on a review of the medical records of patients (in- and outpatients) in King Abdulaziz University Hospital was done from February 2013 to October 2013. The data included medical histories, including fall history, fall-related hospitalization and complications, history of anemia, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, including drug and smoking history. Laboratory and radiology findings were also included. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY USA). Results:  Among 108 samples, 58 had experienced a fall and 50 served as control. Roughly 98% had a history of fall-related hospitalization, 85% were complicated by fractures, while 12% were complicated by intracranial bleeding. Patients older than 60 were more likely to fall and to have a history of falls (p < 0.001). Non-smokers were more likely to report a history of falling (p < 0.001). Cases with previous fall-related hospitalization (p < 0.001) were more likely to have a fall. Conversely, cases with anemic history [28 (48%) (p < 0.001)] were less likely to have a fall than their non-anemic counterparts. Conclusion:  Given the multifactorial nature of fractures, larger local studies are recommended to investigate the risk of fall-based fractures. The high risk of individuals experiencing multiple falls with a significant likelihood of complications suggest that further investigation will help improve patient outcomes, reduce treatment cost and need for long-term support.