Protective Factors for Falls Among Independent Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Warangkana Srimoke (), Chamnong Thanapop, Pimpichaya Sangchart, Sopanat Chitpong, Jirasuta Hnoophet, Nattaya Rueangkhanap and Kitipop Jantep
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Warangkana Srimoke: Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Chamnong Thanapop: Department of Community Public Health, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Pimpichaya Sangchart: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand
Sopanat Chitpong: Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Jirasuta Hnoophet: Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Nattaya Rueangkhanap: Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Kitipop Jantep: Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-13

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.

Keywords: protective factors; falls; aged; independent living; cross-sectional studies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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