The epidemiology of domestic injurious falls in a community dwelling elderly population: an outgrowing economic burden

Eur J Public Health. 2010 Oct;20(5):604-6. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckp165. Epub 2009 Oct 20.

Abstract

In Italy, more than 3 million people annually sustain a domestic injury; the elderly experience it the most. From a healthcare perspective, elderly falls are a major clinical issue with an outgrowing socioeconomic burden. The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiology of injurious falls in a community dwelling population, admitted to the emergency room (ER) because of a domestic injury, to assess the socioeconomic burden. Seventy-four hospitalized patients among 227 were examined. Falls represented the main cause of admittance to the ER; the average cost for fall-related hospitalization was of €5479.09.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / economics
  • Accidental Falls / mortality
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
  • Accidents, Home / economics
  • Accidents, Home / mortality
  • Accidents, Home / statistics & numerical data*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cost of Illness
  • Diagnosis-Related Groups / economics
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Frail Elderly / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Expenditures / statistics & numerical data
  • Hospitalization / economics*
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male