Burden and Determinants of Fall and its Related Injuries in the Elderly Population of Uttarakhand, India: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Fall among the elderly is a rising concern, notably in low- and middle-income countries. Uttarakhand’s rugged terrain and limited healthcare pose challenges for elderly fall injuries. This study examines prevalence, risk factors, and health-seeking behaviors after falls in Uttarakhand’s elderly. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 elderly participants aged 60 and above in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed to identify the prevalence of falls, socio-demographic risk factors, and health-seeking behaviors post-fall using Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of the participants, 43.6% experienced a fall, mostly at home, in the past year, with 78% suffering injuries. Key risk factors included male gender, living in hilly areas, vision issues, irregular intake of chronic medications, poor health perception, lower cognitive scores, and walking or balance problems. Adjusted analysis showed that male gender and walking issues were linked to higher fall odds. Half sought medical help; the main barrier was a lack of perceived need. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of falls (43.6%) among the elderly, with a significant proportion (78.1%) suffering from injuries. Identified risk factors (male and walking problem) underscore the need for targeted fallprevention strategies focusing on early identification and management of mobility impairments among the elderly. Financial constraints and geographical barriers further complicate health-seeking behaviors, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare services for this vulnerable population.