Abstract
Falls among the older population are a public health concern. This systematic review synthesizes data on falls in the population aged ≥60 across 20 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to July 2023. Random-model meta-analyses were conducted. Using country-specific population size and meta-analyses’ pooled prevalence, we computed MENA population-size weighted-average prevalence. The MENA population-size weighted-average prevalence of community-dwelling older adults reporting ≥1falls was 17.4%(95%CI: 8.2–38.9), totaling 9.9 million individuals. Fall prevalence significantly increased in adults over 70 compared to those aged 60-69. No time trend or sex-specific differences were noted. 60%(95%CI: 42.2–75.7) of older trauma unit patients attributed falls as the cause of their hospitalization, and 49.3%(95%CI: 33.9–64.8) of the older outpatients reported having at least one fall in the past year. 10.1% fell at work and 6.0% in healthcare settings. Fractures were reported on average by 37.4%(95%CI: 21.3–56.7) and 45.6%(95%CI: 37.8–53.5) sought hospital care after a fall. Mortality after a fall was 14.3%(95%CI: 2.4–53.0). Perceived fall causes were related to two World Health Organization fall-associated factor categories: physical environment and person’s biology. Pooled prevalence of older adults at high risk of falling (Berg Balance Scale) was 12.8%(95%CI: 7.4–21.2). As per the Fall Efficacy Scale, 60.4%(95%CI 48.8–70.9) of older adults expressed moderate to high concern about performing daily activities without falling. The large number of older adults experiencing falls in the MENA region emphasizes the need for targeted preventive measures along with collaborative action in the region.
Presenters
Karima ChaabnaAssistant Professor of Clinical Population Health Sciences, Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Medical Perspectives on Aging, Health, Wellness
KEYWORDS
UNINTENTIONAL FALLS, OLDER POPULATION, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
