The epidemiology of unintentional falls among older people in the Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background Falls epidemiology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains underexplored despite being a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We synthesised the data on unintentional falls among older adults in MENA countries. Methods We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression, searching MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to 5 May 2024, without language or time restriction. We included records on fall prevalence, frequency, location, self-reported reasons, consequences, and health care utilisation. Two reviewers independently conducted multi-stage screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. We estimated the pooled-average prevalence using random-effect models and calculated MENA population-size weighted-averages. Results We identified 7392 records, finding 90 eligible studies covering 99 588 older adults from 14 countries. The MENA population-size weighted-average prevalence of older adults with ≥1 fall was 17.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.8–36.3), with higher prevalence in older age (P = 0.001). Among fallers, 59.0% (95% CI = 40.0–76.0) reported ≥2 falls. The pooled prevalence of fallers was 60.1% (95% CI = 42.2–75.7) among older trauma unit patients, while 49.3% (95% CI = 33.9–64.8) of older outpatients reported falling in the past year. Falls occurred primarily at home (pooled-average proportion of fallers = 66.1%; 95% CI = 46.6–81.3), with fewer at work (10.1%; 95% CI = 1.6–44.2), and in hospitals…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 99 participants or records.
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