23:T48e,

The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for falling among community-dwelling older adults in Jamaica. A two-stage cluster sample design was used to recruit a nationally representative sample of 2,943 older adults. The fall prevalence in the past 6 months was 21.7%. In univariate analysis, a significantly greater proportion of women, the increasingly old, rural residents, persons with vision problems (including cataracts), and those with key chronic conditions reported falling in this period compared with those without these respective attributes (p < .05). The majority of falls reported have occurred in the home (54.3%), and restriction of activities due to fear of falling was reported by 34.6% of respondents. Logistic regression found sex, area of residence, eyesight problems, cataracts, high blood pressure, and depression to be independent risk factors for falling. The falls in older adults represent a major public health issue. Identification of modifiable risk factors in developing countries such as Jamaica may help in the development of appropriate strategies to reduce fall risk.

24:T45a,

Objective: To report the level of utilization of clinical preventive services by older adults in Jamaica and to identify independent factors associated with utilization. Method: A nationally representative, community-based survey of 2,943 older adults was undertaken. Utilization frequency for six preventive, cardiovascular or cancer-related services was calculated. Logistic regression models were used to determine the independent factors associated with each service. Results: A dichotomy in annual utilization rates exists with cardiovascular services having much higher uptake than those for cancer (83.1% for blood pressure, 76.7% blood glucose, 68.1% cholesterol, 35.1% prostate, 11.3% mammograms, and 9.6% papanicolaou smears). Age, source of routine care, and having a chronic disease were most frequently associated with uptake. Discussion: Education of providers and patients on the need for utilizing preventive services in older adults is important. Improved access to services in the public sector may also help increase uptake of services.

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Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Jamaica

Cardio-Vascular Disease and Cancer