Pregnancy and birth are significant life events for women and their families and midwife supports a woman throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. So, the demand for services that are family friendly, women focused, safe and accessible is increasing. Evidence has shown that midwifery care is associated with lower cost, higher satisfaction rates among women, and less intervention. Because pregnancy and childbirth involve every part of feelings, physical and practical needs, hopes, religious and spiritual beliefs can all affect pregnancy and birth. So, model of maternity care addresses all these aspects to help give birth safely, naturally and confidently. The aim of this review is how midwives working in different model care constructed their midwifery role in order to maintain a positive work-life balance. Evidence from high income countries found such models to be a cost-efficient way to improve health outcomes, reducing medical interventions and increasing satisfaction with care.
Background
Falls are one of the most common but serious health issues faced by the elderly population. Falls-related injuries not only add to the morbidity and economic burden they also have a significant negative impact on psychological health and the quality of life of the elderly. In this study, we assess the prevalence of fear of falling among the geriatric population and the risk factors associated with fear of falling.
Methodology
This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among geriatric patients aged more than 60 years attending the medical outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand, India. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fear of falling among the geriatric population and compare various demographic and clinical parameters in elderly patients with and without fear of falling. Fear of fall was assessed using a questionnaire by asking the elderly if they had fear of falling, how often they had fear of falling, and under which circumstances did they have fear of falling. Information regarding demographics, history of daily activities, and chronic diseases was collected and assessed from all geriatric patients with and without fear of falls.
Results
Almost half (334; 42%) of the geriatric population had a history of fear of falling. Demographic parameters such as age over 80 years, female gender, living alone, and rural background were significantly associated with fear of falling. Similarly, a history of chronic diseases such as stroke, hypertension, and history of visual and motility impairment was significantly related to fear of falls among geriatric patients. Around 70% (571) of geriatric patients aged over 60 years had associated health problems.
Conclusions
This study reinstates that fear of falls is a significant health issue in the elderly age group. It also highlights multiple risk factors related to fear of falling which if controlled can significantly improve the quality of life of the geriatric population.
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