Title : Hospitalizations due to falls among older adults: Epidemiology and temporal trends
Abstract:
Falls represent a major public health concern among older adults. Globally, approximately 30% of individuals aged 65 and above experience a fall each year, with one in five requiring medical attention. In Georgia, limited data exist on trends in fall-related hospitalizations among the elderly. This study aimed to examine the epidemiological patterns of fall-related injuries among hospitalized adults aged 65 and older in Georgia from 2019 to 2021.
Methods: Data were extracted from the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) Hospital Registry, identifying patients aged 65+ admitted due to fall-related injuries during 2019–2021.
Results: During the study period, 20,653 older adults were hospitalized for injuries, with 13,749 cases (66.5%) resulting from falls. The incidence peaked in 2019 (925.9 per 100,000) and dropped to 744.3 in 2020. Falls accounted for 17% of injury-related hospitalizations in 2019, decreasing to 14% in 2020. Women were disproportionately affected (69.6%), and the highest incidence occurred among those aged 80–84. Hip, thigh, and head injuries were most common, with falls on the same level being the primary mechanism. A total of 362 deaths occurred, with men showing a slightly higher mortality rate (approximately 3% annually).
Conclusion: Fall-related hospitalizations declined in 2020, likely due to COVID-19 restrictions, followed by a rebound in 2021. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen fall prevention strategies targeting older adults in Georgia, particularly among high-risk age groups and women.
