Researchers from the Department of Public Health at the College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) achieved a significant milestone in public health research with a study highlighting the prevalence and risk factors of falls among senior citizens in Qatar. The study, titled “Prevalence and Factors Associated with Falls in Older Adults in a Middle Eastern Population: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study," conducted in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), underscored the critical need for tailored healthcare strategies to prevent falls and enhance the quality of life for Qatar's older population.
The study assessed the prevalence of falls and identified key associated factors, including chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, using data from 68,194 PHCC patients aged 60 and above who visited between 2017 and 2021. It revealed a fall prevalence of 6.7% among older adults in Qatar, with the risk of falling increasing significantly with age. The estimated prevalence of falls among older adults in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is 46.9%, ranging between 34% and 57.7%, which is significantly higher than the findings of this study. Additionally, research with similar sample sizes reported higher estimates of falls among adults and older adults, such as 16.3% in China, 20% in Canada, and 27% in the USA.
Notably, the research revealed that females are at a higher risk of falls, with 56.3% of diagnosed cases being female compared to 43.7% male. Overall, the prevalence of falls in females (9.2%) was nearly double that of males (5.0%). The study also highlighted that the highest prevalence of falls was observed among Qataris (49.1%), followed by Pakistanis (6.2%), Indians (6.1%), Sudanese (5.1%), and Egyptians (5.1%). These insights emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing the specific needs of these vulnerable populations, necessitating tailored healthcare strategies.
Dr. Diana Alsayed Hassan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health at the College of Health Sciences and the lead researcher of the study, commented: “Addressing falls requires interventions at multiple levels, not just the individual. Beyond managing chronic conditions, efforts must include environmental modifications to reduce hazards at home and in the community, enhancing social support networks, and promoting policies that ensure access to healthcare and age-safe public spaces. Fall prevention can benefit from improved urban planning for age-friendly environments, educational initiatives for older adults and their caregivers, and community-based exercise programs that encourage physical activity among older adults."
QU Health is dedicated to advancing public health through innovative research, education, and community outreach, and this study exemplifies its commitment to addressing critical health issues in Qatar. Among these issues, falls pose a significant public health concern across the MENA region. The study's findings can serve as a catalyst for regional collaborations aimed at developing standardized guidelines for fall prevention, sharing best practices, implementing educational campaigns, and conducting further research on region-specific factors contributing to falls. The research team's recommendations include regular health screenings and educational initiatives, all aligning with QU Health's mission to foster a healthier community. By highlighting the prevalence and risk factors of falls, this study calls for a collaborative effort between healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community to implement targeted interventions that can significantly reduce the incidence of falls, thereby enhancing the quality of life of older adults in Qatar.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore the environmental and situational factors contributing to falls, develop targeted interventions for at-risk populations, particularly those with chronic conditions and initiate community-based programs to educate older adults and their caregivers about fall prevention. Recognizing that factors like home safety, walkable neighborhoods, and community support all play crucial roles, the researchers emphasize the importance of creating supportive environments that empower older adults to maintain their independence safely.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Diana Alsayed Hassan, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences at dalsayed@qu.edu.qa