Falls in RAC-OST-POL Study: the results from 10-year prospective longitudinal observation.

Introduction: The aim of the study was presentation of the data on falls in a cohort of postmenopausal women in a 10-year prospective longitudinal observation.

Material and methods: 640 postmenopausal women at baseline age above 55 years were included. The cohort was randomly selected from the population of the whole Racibórz district. Data on falls and fracture incidence were gathered yearly.

Results: 256 (40%) women had no falls, and in 384 (60%) subjects at least one fall was noted. The number of women with 1, 2, and 3 or more falls were 115, 62, and 207, respectively. The total number of falls was 1988. Mean baseline age in those who noted falls was 65.7 ± 7.02 years, and it was significantly higher than in the rest of the patients (64.1 ± 6.75; p<0.01). During follow-up 190 osteoporotic fractures were noted in 129 patients. Falls were proven to have a strong, significant relationship with fracture (chi-square test = 80.5; p < 0.0001). Among potential clinical factors only diabetes type 1 (chi-square test = 5.80; p < 0.05) and depression (chi-square test = 3.82; p < 0.05) influenced falls incidence. The risk of falls was increased in cases of greater numbers of clinical risk factors (chi-square test = 28.4 df = 5; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: In long-term follow-up in postmenopausal women, falls were frequently observed, and their occurrence increased the fracture rate. Diabetes type 1 and depression increase the fall rate, which suggests the necessity of implementation of some preventive procedures.