Browsing by Author "Diala, Chizoba Nneoma"

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    Factors affecting the occurrence of household falls among the elderly (65 and older) in Owerri North LGA, Imo State
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-08) Diala, Chizoba Nneoma
    This study assessed the factors affecting the occurrence of household falls among the elderly in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo state. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design using a structured four sectioned questionnaire to obtain data from three hundred and ninety (390) respondents used for the study. Results showed that most participants agreed that slippery floor 357(92%), inadequate lighting around the house 357(92%), poor arrangements of items around the house (100%), poorly secured rugs/carpets357 (92%) and poor architectural features like sloppy floor 390(100%) were the environmental factors that can contribute to household fall where as old age 390 (100%) and pre-existing medical conditions especially arthritis(75%) were the major biological factors that can lead to the occurrence of fall. Based on the behavioural factors that can cause falls, most of the elderly were found not to be very physically active (47%), majority of them consume alcohol (45%) and smoke tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars or pipes (45%) at the rate of 1-2 times per month. In addition, few of the participants were shown to always be in a hurry (11%) and stand/lower for a long time (23%). Thus, prevalence of fall was very high 347 (89%) among the participants with rate of fall being once in the past six months 145(43%). The main cause of fall was shown to be sickness 133 (38%) whereas the related injury from most of the fall was bruises (53%). Most of the socio-demographic attributes including age, gender, marital status and occupation had significant influence (p≤0.04) in the occurrence of household falls among the elderly. Fall was more common among the retiree 176(91%) widowed 159 (98%) males 178 (92%) who were 85 years and above years (94%). Therefore, prevention strategies should be focused on vulnerable groups at higher risk for falls, such as older male people who are widowed.