PurposeWhile falls are common in older people, causing significant mortality and morbidity, this phenomenon has not been extensively studied in the Caribbean. This study aimed to compare falls in older and younger people in this setting.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study of older trauma patients in Trinidad, comparing older and younger patients sustaining falls.Results1432 adult trauma patients were included (1141 aged 18–64 years and 291 aged 65 years and older). Older fallers were more likely to be female (66.7 vs 47.2%; p < 0.001), suffer from multiple pre-existing diseases (24.7 vs 2.4%; p < 0.001) and take multiple medications (16.1 vs 0.8%; p < 0.001). They also sustained more severe injuries and presented with higher acuity than younger fallers. Admission rates were higher among older fallers (29.9 vs 13.1%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn our study, older patients who fell were a distinct group from younger falls victims, with unique demographic, clinical and injury related characteristics. Their increased risk of injury within the home, coupled with their propensity for more severe injuries made them a high risk patient group. More research is needed to better understand this patient group and plan specific preventive interventions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00068-017-0818-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Abstract:Objectives Falls are common in older people, causing significant mortality and morbidity but little is known about this phenomenon in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate falls in older people in the developing world, comparing fallers with other trauma patients. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of older trauma patients in Trinidad over a 4 month period, comparing falls victims with other trauma patients, in relation to their demographic, pre morbid and injury characteristics. Results 439 older trauma patients (aged ≥65 years) were included. Fallers were older (median age 75 years vs 70 years in non fallers). 65.2% of fallers were female, compared to 43.7% of non fallers. Fallers were more likely to suffer from multiple pre existing diseases, with 29.8% having ≥ 3 comordibities, compared to 9.7% of non fallers. Fallers were also more likely to be on multiple medications: 7.1% were on 5 medications, compared to no non fallers. Fallers also sustained more severe injuries and presented with higher acuity than non fallers. Admission and referral rates were higher among fallers compared to other trauma patients (59.9% vs 30.4%). Conclusions Older patients who fall are a distinct group from other older trauma patients, with unique demographic, clinical and injury related characteristics. This information is useful in planning preventive and management strategies for these patients. Abstract ObjectivesFalls are common in older people, causing significant mortality and morbidity but little is known about this phenomenon in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate falls in older people in the developing world, comparing fallers with other trauma patients. MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study of older trauma patients in Trinidad over a 4 month period, comparing falls victims with other trauma patients, in relation to their demographic, pre&morbid and injury characteristics. of fallers were female, compared to 43.7% of non&fallers. Fallers were more likely to suffer from multiple pre&existing diseases, with 29.8% having ≥ 3 comordibities, compared to 9.7% of non&fallers. Fallers were also more likely to be on multiple medications: 7.1% were on 5 medications, compared to no non&fallers. Fallers also sustained more severe injuries and presented with higher acuity than non&fallers.Admission and referral rates were higher among fallers compared to other trauma patients (59.9% vs 30.4%).