Work

Risk of fall in middle-aged and older adult patients with chronic lung disease: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Chronic lung disease (CLD) not only manifests with respiratory symptoms but is often associated with various systemic conditions that may elevate the risk of falls. This study aimed to evaluate the independent association between chronic lung disease (CLD) and fall risk among middle-aged and older adult Chinese adults. Methods We enrolled participants aged over 45 years from the baseline wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2011 and divided them into two groups based on the presence of CLD: the CLD group and the non-CLD group. Follow-up assessments were subsequently performed during the 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020 survey waves to track longitudinal outcomes. The primary endpoint was the incidence of falls (≥1 fall event) during the entire follow-up period (2011–2020). To address potential confounding and strengthen causal inference, we employed a multivariable logistic regression model, conducted propensity score matching, and performed subgroup analyses. Results A total of 9,204 participants were included in the study, consisting of 940 patients with CLD and 8,264 individuals in the non-CLD group. The incidence of falls among patients with CKD was 33.5% (315/940), which was higher than the 27.5% (2,275/8264) observed in the non-CLD group (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors using logistic regression, the incidence of falls in the CLD group was found to be significantly higher compared to the non-CLD group (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.38, p = 0.02). Similar results were observed in the propensity score matching analysis and subgroup analyses. Conclusion Our study found that the risk of falls is significantly increased in middle-aged and older adult patients with CLD in China, highlighting the importance of fall screening and risk prevention programs for CLD patients.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1547006

Authors: Min Li, Xushu Jing, Qian He

Institutions: Wuxi People's Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Soochow University

Language: English

Topic: Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801