NGHIÊN CỨU TÌNH TRẠNG TÉ NGÃ Ở NGƯỜI CAO TUỔI ĐÃ NHIỄM COVID-19

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of post-COVID-19 falls in elderly after COVID-19 infection. Methods: From May 2022 to September 2022, this study included 389 patients (aged ≥60 years; mean age 66.9 ± 6.2 years; men, 26.2%) visiting post-COVID clinics in Cho Ray hospital and University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City. Self-reported post-COVID-19 falls was assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to assessed associated factors with falls. Results: Overall 42 patients (10.8%) reported post-COVID-19 falls (single fall, 76.2%; recurrent falls, 23.8%). The most frequent location, time of falls and circumstance of falls were in the bedroom and at night, respectively. In the multivariate model, associated factors of post-COVID-19 falls were being underweight (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–11.9, P = 0.04) and post-COVID-19 lower limb weakness (OR 5.9, 95% CI 2.2–15.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that approximately one tenth of elderly experienced post-COVID-19 falls. The results of this study also highlights that further studies are needed to confirm the amelioration of body mass index and the strength of lower limb in decrease the probability of post-COVID-19 falls in the older population.