Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors of falls among stroke patients.
Material and method: A prospective cohort study was designed to study the stroke patients who were admitted to the Thai Red Cross Rehabilitation Center from February 2004 to July 2005. Related variables offaller and non-faller groups were compared.
Results: Of 151 patients, 24 (15.9%) experienced at least one fall. The incidence rate was 3.44/1000 patients/ day. Most of the falls (71.4%) occurred during the daytime, in the bathroom (37.1%), and by the bedside (22.9%). Falls frequently occurred while transferring (22.9%) and walking (20%). Barthel ADL Index (BAI) score was the variable that significantly differentiated the fallers from the non-fallers (p = 0.013). Patients with BAI score of > or = 12 had 3 times more risk to fall.
Conclusion: About 16% of stroke patients fell during rehabilitation. More attention should be paid during the transfer and ambulation. Furthermore, a safety area should be provided in every bathroom and by the bedside.