Falls Among Mexican American Older Adults: Seventeen-Year Trends and Associated Factors From the Hispanic EPESE Study

Abstract

Falls are a leading cause of injury and disability among older adults. This study examined longitudinal patterns of fall occurrence and their associations with demographic, health-related, and psychological factors among Mexican American older adults. Data were drawn from six waves (2004–2021) of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly. The analytic sample included 1,742 interviews at baseline (Wave 5) and 4,002 person-wave observations across six waves. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to estimate population-averaged associations while accounting for repeated observations over time. Fall occurrence during the prior 12 months was self-reported. Cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and functional limitations were assessed using validated measures. Overall, 36.3% of person-wave observations reported at least one fall. Fall occurrence was more frequent with older age, female sex, urinary incontinence, diabetes, vision problems, stroke or heart attack history, depressive symptoms, fear of falling, and difficulty with instrumental activities of daily living.