Publication: Protective Factors for Falls Among Independent Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Issued Date
2025-08-01
Resource Type
ISSN
16617827
eISSN
16604601
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105014438452
Journal Title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume
22
Issue
8
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol.22 No.8 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Srimoke W., Thanapop C., Sangchart P., Chitpong S., Hnoophet J., Rueangkhanap N., Jantep K. Protective Factors for Falls Among Independent Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol.22 No.8 (2025). doi:10.3390/ijerph22081202 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/50447
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Abstract
As Thailand transitions into a super-aged society, falls are a rising public health issue. However, limited research focuses specifically on independent older adults in rural areas. This study examined intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with falls among independent older adults in a rural district of southern Thailand, contributing to localized fall prevention strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage probabilistic sampling with 325 older adults aged 60–79 years residing in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Data were collected through structured interviews, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify fall predictors. A fall was defined as an unintended fall to a lower level within the previous 12 months. The fall prevalence was 29.8%, with the majority resulting in minor injuries. Multivariate analysis revealed protective factors, including sociodemographic factors such as higher monthly income (adjusted OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30–0.74) and agricultural employment (adjusted OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.27–0.95), as well as the extrinsic factor of pet ownership (adjusted OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35–0.81), were significantly associated with reduced fall risk. The study highlights context-specific protective factors that could inform community-based interventions. Future research should assess causality and intervention effectiveness in broader populations.