Risk factors for falls among older adults in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (predominantly cross-sectional)
PubMed 35774830 · doi:10.1002/hsr2.637
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines synthesized evidence on risk factors for unintentional falls among adults aged 60 and older in India. Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) were searched up to September 24, 2020. Two independent reviewers screened observational studies, evaluated study quality using JBI checklists, and synthesized data using random-effects meta-analyses where possible.
What was found
From 3,445 records, 22 observational studies met inclusion criteria (18 cross-sectional, 2 case-control, and 2 cohort studies), and 19 were included in meta-analyses. Overall, 12 of 18 cross-sectional studies, both case-control studies, and both cohort studies satisfied over 70% of JBI quality criteria. Reported risk factors encompassed sociodemographic factors, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, physical and mental health conditions, and medical interventions. No numerical effect sizes, odds ratios, or confidence intervals were provided in the abstract.
Why it matters
This review compiles the first comprehensive evidence base on multidimensional fall risk factors specific to older adults in India to guide regional fall prevention strategies.
Limits
The evidence base is dominated by cross-sectional studies (18 of 22), limiting causal inference. The abstract provides no specific quantitative effect estimates, measures of heterogeneity, or participant totals.
Cited by
- contradicts In cultures where people habitually sit, eat, and use the toilet on the floor, fall risk is near zero.