ABSTRACT
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n . Fourthousand and fifty women aged between 60 and 79 years were included, representing a response rate of around 60%. Women reporting at least one fall in the previous 12 months were significantly older than those recording no falls (70.1 years, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 69.7-70.5 compared with 68.6 years, 95% Cl 68.4-68.9) and were more likely to have chronic diseases and to be taking prescribed drugs. Circulatory disease (including stroke and coronary heart disease), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and arthritis were all associated with an increase in the odds of falling. Having at least one of these chronic diseases increased the population attributable risk in the fully adjusted model by 32.2% (95% Cl 19.6-42.8). The prevalence of falling increased with rising chronic disease burden (multiple pathologies). Two drug classes, hypnotics and anxiolytics and antidepressants, were independently associated with increased odds of falling, each class being associated with around a 50% increase in the
192 I I I - M A N A G E M E N T AND P R E V E N T I O N
odds of falling. However, the absolute numbers of drugs (polypharmacy) taken did not significantly affect the odds of falling.
