1Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal
2Post Graduate, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal
*Corresponding author: Dr. Chythra R Rao, Associate Professor Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, India, Mobile: +91-9448857793, Office: +91-820-2922324, E-mail: chythra.raj@manipal.edu
Online published on 15 December, 2017.
Owing to their widespread occurrence, deleterious impacts and consequences, falls continue to be a major public health challenge. As per WHO report 2016, an estimated 424, 000 fatal falls occur each year.
To assess knowledge regarding risk factors and preventive practices for falls at home among rural households. Material & Method: A community based cross sectional study was carried out in the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, of a University Medical College. Total 316 households were surveyed and datarelating should be data relating to socio-demographic features, knowledge pertaining to risk factors and practice regarding measures taken for prevention of falls at home were documented.
Awareness regarding predisposing factors that could lead to falls were alcohol (87%), smooth polished flooring (80.7%), poorly lit room (68.4%) and being elderly (81.3%). Majority 229 (72.5%) reported that falls on stairs could be prevented by railings for staircase while 199 (63%) reported adhering to medical advice as preventive measure. The prevalence of fall episodes in the last one year was (21) 6.6%.
The awareness regarding predisposing factors and prevention of falls among the rural households was good. However, the knowledge had not translated into practice.
Falls, Awareness, Risk Factors, Prevention, Community
