Falls and Recurrent Falls among Adults in A Multi-ethnic Asian Population: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study

We evaluated the rate and risk factors associated with falls and recurrent falls in a multi-ethnic Asian population. 10,009 participants aged ≥40 years (mean[SD] age = 58.9[10.4] years) underwent clinical examinations and completed interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants who self-reported at least one fall or ≥2 falls in past 12 months were defined as fallers and recurrent fallers, respectively. Age-standardized rates for falls and recurrent falls were 13.8% (95%CI, 13.1-14.6%) and 4.6% (95%CI, 4.2-5.1%), respectively. Multivariable analyses showed older age (OR = 1.20; 95%CI, 1.11-1.30), female gender (OR = 1.79; 95%CI, 1.54-2.07), diabetes (OR = 1.22; 95%CI, 1.07-1.40), cardiovascular disease (CVD, OR = 1.37; 95%CI, 1.14-1.65), ≥3 systemic comorbidities (OR = 1.35; 95%CI, 1.09-1.67), lower European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score (OR = 1.36; 95%CI, 1.29-1.44), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.41, 95%CI, 1.11-1.78) and presenting visual impairment (VI, OR = 1.23; 95%CI, 1.02-1.47) were associated with falls. For recurrent falls, female gender (OR = 2.27; 95%CI, 1.75-2.94), diabetes (OR = 1.28; 95%CI, 1.03-1.61), CVD (OR = 2.00; 95%CI, 1.53-2.62), ≥3 systemic comorbidities (OR = 1.69; 95%CI, 1.19-2.39), lower EQ-5D score (OR = 1.47; 95%CI, 1.35-1.59), living in 1-2 room public flat (OR = 1.57; 95%CI, 1.05-2.33), monthly income <2000 Singapore Dollar (OR = 1.62; 95%CI, 1.13-2.31), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.81, 95%CI, 1.23-2.66) and presenting VI (OR = 1.34; 95%CI, 1.01-1.79) were significant risk factors. These findings will be useful for the formulation of fall prevention programs.