Rising risk of falls has been associated with injury and dysfunction among the elderly. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of falls and association with nutritional status among 143 elderly patients from medical ward and clinic in Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Anthropometric indicators and bone health status using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) were also assessed. History of falls, functional status and dietary intake based on dietary history was assessed
through questionnaire which was administered by face-to-face interview with the subjects. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0 and Foodworks. The past-year prevalence of falls (falls at least once in the previous 12 months) in this study was 32.9%. The past year prevalence of falls in women (40.2%) was higher than in men (17.4%) (p<0.01). Women who had calcium intake less than 300 mg/d (adjusted OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.02-9.24) and protein intake < 1 g/kg body weight (adjusted OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 0.98-13.84) were more likely to have a higher risk of falls. In conclusion, one third of the subjects, especially women in this study had a history of falls. Elderly people should be assessed for calcium and protein intake and those with calcium intake less than 300 mg/day and protein intake less than 1 g/kg body weight should be given intervention to reduce falls risk factor and subsequent fall-related co-morbidity.
Keywords: Elderly patients; falls; nutritional status