OBJECTIVE: Falls are a frequent reason for hospitalization in short-stay ge
riatric units. Paradoxically, the factors determining such hospitalization
remain unknown. The objective of our study was to identify the explanatory
factors of falls leading to acute-care hospitalization of elderly subjects.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively compared patients hospitalized for f
alls and those hospitalized for another reason in a short-stay geriatric un
it. Data were collected over a 6-month period starting with a questionnaire
and a physical examination.
RESULTS: Patients admitted for falls were predominantly women (76.9%) livin
g alone (76.9%). Falls depended mainly on intrinsic factors. The precipitat
ing factor was a medical condition (84%) and acute (96%). The pattern of mu
ltiple disease conditions was not specific for patients who fell. Inversely
, osteoarthritis and visual and auditory deficits with direct effects on mo
tor functions were correlated with falls. The environment played a determin
ing role, but was primarily a predisposing and not a precipitating factor a
s is was directly the cause of falls in only 4% of cases. The loss of self-
sufficiency for daily activities was also significantly more frequent in pa
tients who fell.
DISCUSSION: The explanatory factors of falls as the reason for hospitalizat
ion of elderly subjects in short-stay geriatric units are intrinsic factors
. They are associated with a precipitating factor which is usually an acute
medical condition and a chronic multiple disease state having an effect on
postural balance leading to the fall. These factors are combined in a cont
ext of social and environmental isolation. (C) 2000, Masson, Paris.