Aim: This study investigates the characteristics and contexts of unintentional falls at home among young and middle-aged adults.
Method: We conducted a population-based study of individuals aged 25-59 years resident in Auckland who were admitted to hospital or died following a non-occupational fall at home (July 2005-June 2006). Information was obtained from participant or proxy interviews, and reviews of inpatient records.
Results: 344 patients (including 1 death) met the study eligibility criteria representing an overall age-specific incidence rate of 54.0/100,000 (95% CI 48.6-60.1) for the 12-month period. Of the 335 cases (97.4%) interviewed, 36% fell on stairs/steps, 31% fell on the same level, 13% of falls involved ladders/scaffolding, and 11% fell from buildings/structures. Stairs or steps were involved in 43% of falls among females and 28% of falls among males. The majority of falls (81%) occurred in the individual's own home. A quarter (24%) of participants had consumed >or= 2 drinks in the 6 hours preceding the fall, and 24% were on >or= 2 prescription medications.
Conclusion: While this study was not designed to identify the specific causes of falls, the findings reveal several important contextual factors that can be targeted to prevent fatal and serious non-fatal falls at home among this age group.