Fall Risk And Emotional Distress In Institutionalized Geriatric Population – A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Falls among older adults represent a major public health concern, particularly in institutional settings where physical limitations and psychological vulnerability are more prevalent. Emotional distress has been increasingly identified as a contributing factor to fall risk.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 142 institutionalized adults aged ≥60 years. Fall risk was assessed using a standardized fall risk
assessment tool, and emotional status was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.
Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. The Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to assess associations and group differences. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Most participants were aged 75–85 years. A significant association was observed between age and fall risk (p < 0.05), with individuals aged ≥85 years showing the highest risk. No significant association was found between gender and fall risk (p > 0.05), although females had a slightly higher proportion of high-risk cases. Participants aged 75–85 years demonstrated lower positive affect and
higher negative affect scores (p < 0.05). Increased emotional distress was associated with a higher
likelihood of fall risk.
Discussion: The findings indicate that both age-related physical decline and emotional distress contribute to fall risk. Reduced emotional stability may influence confidence and mobility, thereby increasing vulnerability to falls.
Conclusion: Fall risk among institutionalized older adults is influenced by age and emotional distress.
Addressing both physical and psychological factors may improve fall prevention strategies.
Keywords: Emotional distress, fall risk, institutionalized elderly, positive affect, negative affect