Madison Adanusa Division of Family Medicine, Directorate of University Health Services, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Seth Kofi Pobee Department of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Ebenezer Zaabaar Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Vukey Mawuko Department of Imaging Technology and Sonography, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. Kofi Asiedu School of Optometry and vision science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Solomon Kweku Amuzu Department of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. Wendy Adubofour Department of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. Celestine Bazayeya Department of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Ethel Enam Yawo Senaya . Department of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Desiree Citsofe Ofori Department of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Samuel Kyei Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Keywords: Falls; older adults; timed up and go; primary care

Abstract

Background
Falls are a serious problem and are among the leading causes of morbidity, functional dependency, and death in older adults. Falls
have become a social and global public health concern due to the current aging population in Africa and across the globe. However,
their prevalence and risk factors have received little attention in Africa.
Purpose
Thus, this study aimed to provide a baseline survey to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for falls among older adults
attending a primary care facility in Cape Coast, Ghana.
Results
Participants (n = 244) were patients aged 60 years and older who visited the University of Cape Coast Hospital. The prevalence of
falls identified in this hospital-based study was 40.2%. The following independent variables were found to be statistically significant
predictors of risk of falls among the participants when compared with their respective reference categories; age 80 years and above
[OR = 3.707, 95% CI = 1.738 – 7.907, p = 0.001], participants who had a history of falls [OR = 2.234, 95% CI = 1.326 – 3.765, p
= 0.003], participants with three or more co-morbidities [OR = 16.456, 95% CI = 2.099 – 129.020, p = 0.008] and obesity [OR =
2.211, 95% CI = 1.151 – 4.250, p = 0.017].
Conclusion
The prevalence of falls among older adults is high. Thus, clinicians in the primary care setting should screen for, give fall prevention
education, and prescribe appropriate interventions to at-risk patients.

Section

Original Research

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