Prevalence and Risk Factors of Falls in the Past Year Among Older Adult Outpatients in Türkiye

Background

Falls are a major public health concern among older adults. Data on their prevalence and risk factors in outpatient settings remain limited. This study aimed to determine 12-month fall prevalence and associated factors among outpatients aged ≥65 years.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2026 among 1,085 individuals aged ≥65 years attending outpatient clinics in Ankara via face-to-face interviews. Data were collected using a structured 49-item questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, 12-month fall history, and validated Turkish versions of the FRAIL Scale, Jenkins Sleep Scale, and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Multivariable logistic regression (backward likelihood ratio method) was performed to identify independent factors associated with falls, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported (p < 0.05).

Results

The prevalence of at least one fall in the past year was 32.9%, with most falls occurring indoors (68.6%). Among fallers, 46.3% experienced recurrent falls. In multivariable analysis, fall risk increased with age, 75–79 years (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02–2.45), 80–84 years (aOR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.28–3.79), and ≥85 years (aOR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.09–5.98). Compared to those living with a spouse, living with children or relatives was associated with higher fall risk (aOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.25–2.93). Depression (aOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.60–3.18) and frailty (prefrail: aOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.02–2.28; frail: aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.20–3.11) were independently associated with falls. Moderate self-rated health was protective compared to poor health (aOR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39–0.93).

Conclusions

Falls were common among older adult outpatients and were independently associated with advanced age, living status, depression, and frailty. These findings highlight the need for preventive public health strategies, including routine fall-risk screening and early identification of vulnerable older adults.

Key messages

• One in three older adult outpatients reported at least one fall in the past year.

• Routine fall-risk screening should be prioritized for older adults with advanced age, frailty, depression.