Home-related falls: An underestimated mechanism of injury

BACKGROUND: The home is a leading location for falls, but the epidemiology and outcome of falls at home (FH) have not been adequately described. Our aim was to evaluate FH, particularly in the bathroom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with a history of FH admitted to the Level I trauma center in Qatar. Patients were divided into Group 1: <60 years and Group 2: 60 year or older, and their data were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients with FH in the bathroom with a mean age of 51 ± 18 years, mostly males (73.5%) were identified over 3 years. One out of every 50 trauma patients admitted was a victim of a fall in the bathroom. Group 2 had significantly more females and sustained a single-site injury. Group 1 had more involvement of alcohol (P = 0.02) and sustained more multiple injuries (44% vs. 23%; P = 0.02). The mean Injury Severity Score and length of hospital stay was comparable among the two groups. Head, abdomen, and facial injuries were significantly higher in Group 1 whereas lower extremity injuries and mortality were significantly higher in Group 2. CONCLUSION: FH, particularly in the bathroom, is an underrecognized mechanism of injury with a unique dichotomous epidemiology based on age. This needs increased public awareness and primary prevention programs for high-risk populations.