Fall injuries among patients in selected hospitals of nepal: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Fall injury statistics are scarce in low- and middle-income countries like Nepal. This study examines fall-related injuries and associated risk factors to address critical gaps in injury epidemiology and prevention. Data was collected from 18 August to 17 September 2023 from the emergency and inpatient departments of seven hospitals in Nepal, one from each province. A structured questionnaire, based on the WHO Guidelines, was used for data collection from patients or caregivers. Among 1,175 injury patients, 38.6% sustained nonfatal fall injuries. Males comprised 58.9% of cases. Most falls (93.6%) were unintentional, and 64.5% occurred at home. 32% of all fall injury patients were children under 15 years, and 17.7% were those aged 65 years or older. Farmers and students accounted for 58.5% of all falls. Injured limbs were most common, followed by head injuries (21.7%). Regression analysis revealed disparities in fall injuries associated with province, geography, place of residence, occupation groups, castes, and gender of the patients. Marital status and household income were not found to be significantly associated with falls. Males were more likely than females to receive immediate care after fall injuries. Falls occurring at home disproportionately affect children, the elderly, and those involved in agricultural occupations. The findings highlight the urgent need for implementing targeted interventions, particularly in domestic and rural settings, and addressing inequalities in injury treatment.