Incidence of and risk factors for falls among adults with
an intellectual disability
C. R. Cox,
1
L. Clemson,
1
R. J. Stancliffe,
1
S. Durvasula
2
& C. Sherrington
3
1 Faculty of Health Sciences,The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New SouthWales, Australia
2 Centre for Disability Studies, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Ryde, New SouthWales,Australia
3 The George Institute for Global Health,The University of Sydney, Sydney, New SouthWales, Australia
Abstract
Background Falls among people with intellectual
disability (ID) occur at a younger age than the
general population and are a significant cause of
injury and hospitalisation. There is very limited
research investigating risk factors for falls among
people with ID and none with people living outside
of formal care arrangements, either independently
or with their family.We used a medical chart audit
to identify the incidence and risk factors for falls
among people with ID living in a variety of settings.
Methods We retrospectively identified consecu-
tive patients, aged years and over who attended a
clinic for people with developmental disabilities
within a -month period. Fall information was
measured by carer recall of falls in the past
months. Potential risk factors were extracted from
medical reports and a patient information question-
naire. Potential predictors were identified using
univariate analysis and entered into a multiple logis-
tic regression.
Results Of participants, (%) reported a
fall in the previous months. The number of
reported falls was similar for formal care and
non-formal care arrangements. The vast majority of
fallers (%) reported sustaining an injury from a
fall and many potential risk factors were identified.
Multivariate analysis revealed having seizures in the
past years, a history of fracture and increasing age
were risk factors for falls.
Conclusions Falls are a significant health concern
for adults with ID of all ages as a result of their
incidence and the resulting injuries. Falls appear to
be equally an issue for people residing in formal
and non-formal care accommodation. Further
research is needed to develop screening tools and
interventions for this population.
Keywords accidental falls, intellectual disability,
learning disability
Introduction
Falls are a significant cause of morbidity and mor-
tality among older people (Gillespie et al. ).
Each year approximately % of people over the
age of will experience a fall (Campbell et al.
; O’Loughlin et al. ). Adults with intellec-
tual disability (ID) share many risk factors with
older people in the general population, which
may increase their risk of falls at a younger age.
However, there is currently limited research investi-
gating falls among people with ID. Existing
Correspondence: Prof Lindy Clemson, Cumbevrland Campus, PO
Box , Lidcombe, NSW , Australia (e-mail: lindy.clemson@
sydney.edu.au).
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01333.x
pp –
1045
© The Authors. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research © Blackwell Publishing Ltd