Analysis of outcomes from a geriatrician-led evidence-based falls prevention clinic: a retrospective study from Qatar.

Abstract

Background: Falls are an important health concern among older persons. This study attempted to evaluate the characteristics and risk factors of falls in older persons attending a geriatric falls clinic in Qatar, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 265 patients aged ≥ 65 years who visited the Falls Clinic between January 1, 2019, and November 28, 2021.

Results: The study population showed a significant prevalence of chronic diseases, with hypertension (94.3%) and diabetes (87.5%) being the most common diseases. A substantial percentage of people reported functional difficulties, such as falls during the recent year and injuries. Interestingly, people recruited during the pandemic used assistive devices at a far higher proportion (46.9% vs. 5.5% previously). This group also reported higher rates of dizziness (54.9% vs. 26.7%, respectively) and pain (50.2% vs. 20.0%, respectively). Participants recruited during the epidemic had significantly elevated systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion: This study showed an increased incidence of comorbidities and functional impairments in older adults who visited a fall prevention clinic in Qatar. These findings suggest that the pandemic may exacerbate population vulnerability.