NGUY CƠ TÉ NGÃ VÀ CÁC YẾU TỐ LIÊN QUAN Ở NGƯỜI BỆNH THẦN KINH: NGHIÊN CỨU CẮT NGANG TẠI BỆNH VIỆN ĐẠI HỌC Y DƯỢC TP.HCM

Abstract

Introduction: Fall is a common issue among patients with neurological disorders, often leading to serious consequences such as prolonged hospitalization, reduced functional mobility, and increased healthcare costs, etc. Among these, neurological conditions are associated with a higher risk of falling due to gait disturbances, impaired balance, lower limb weakness, sensory deficits, visual impairment, and medication-related factors. Therefore, ssessing fall risk in this population is essential. Currently, there is a lack of research on this topic in Vietnam. Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of falls in neurological inpatients by using the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 153 neurological inpatients at Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center, from July 2024 to December 2024. Results: Among 153 patients, the majority were aged 60–79 years (50,3%), and 56,2% were male. A total of 76,5% had a history of using medications that increase fall risk, 85% were on polypharmacy, and 61,4% reported fear of falling. The mean Tinetti score was 16.4 ± 10.1; 56.9% were classified as high risk, 10,5% as moderate risk, and 32,7% as low risk. Factors significantly associated with fall risk included age (p = 0,01), gender (p = 0,024), fear of falling (p < 0,001), use of fall-risk-increasing drugs (p < 0,001). Conclusions: Fall risk among neurological patients is high, particularly in older adults, males, those with fear of falling, and those on fall-risk-increasing drugs. Targeted interventions are essential to reduce fall risk in this population.