Research Article
Knowledge and Perception of Falls among Community Dwelling Elderly: A Study from Southern Sri Lanka
Table 2
Statements that evaluate the knowledge on falls (
).
| | Statement | Known | Not known | | (%) | (%) |
| | Falls and related injuries are the leading cause of hospital admission among elderly people. | 152 (50.7) | 148 (49.3) |
| | Proper nutrition is very important to protect from falls. | 218 (72.7) | 82 (27.3) |
| | Exercise and active lifestyle reduce the chances of falls. | 167 (55.7) | 133 (44.3) |
| | Following medical advice helps to minimize the chances of falls due to side effects of drugs. | 168 (56.0) | 132 (44.0) |
| | Good lighting reduces the risk of falls. | 221 (73.7) | 79 (26.3) |
| | Aware of at least two commonest sites for fall related fractures. | 251 (83.7) | 49 (16.3) |
| | Aware of at least two food items which are helpful for healthy bones. | 183 (61.0) | 117 (39.0) |
| | Aware of medical conditions which increase the risk for falls. | | | Hypertension | 247 (82.3) | 53 (17.7) | | Diabetes mellitus | 94 (31.3) | 206 (68.7) | | Arthritis | 77 (25.7) | 223 (74.3) | | Ischemic Heart Disease | 40 (13.3) | 260 (86.7) |
| | Aware of the consequences of falls. | | | Reduced mobility | 231 (77.0) | 69 (23.0) | | Restriction of day today activities | 141 (47.0) | 159 (53.0) | | Social isolation | 52 (17.3) | 248 (82.7) | | Depression | 63 (21.0) | 237 (79.0) |
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