Abstract
Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, data is lacking on fall-related risk factors like balance, gait, and fear of falling. This systematic review synthesized evidence on the prevalence of fall risk and fear of falling among adults aged ≥60 years across 20 MENA countries. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to May 2024, with no language or time restriction. Two reviewers independently performed multi-stage screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. We computed pooled prevalence estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis was used to explore sources of heterogeneity. Forty-nine studies involving 9016 older adults, were included. The pooled prevalence of older adults at increased risk of falling was 40.7% (n=12; N=1584; 95% CI: 20.3–64.8) based on balance assessments using the Berg Balance Scale, and 58.1% (n=9; N=1273; 95% CI: 38.1–75.7) based on gait assessments using the Timed Up and Go Test. Fear of falling measured by the Fall Efficacy Scale International was prevalent in 72.4% of older adults (n=11; N=1796; 95% CI: 56.5–84.1). Meta-regression detected no statistically significant associations between population type, sex, or country-income level and fall risk or fear of falling. We detected no publication bias, but data was unavailable for 12 countries. The high prevalence of risk and fear of falling among older adults in the MENA highlights the urgent need for region-specific public health interventions addressing both physical and psychological factors and improved geriatric care.
Presenters
Karima ChaabnaAssistant Professor of Clinical Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Fear of Falling, Balance, Gait, Prevalence, Aging, Unintentional Falls
