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Complete Health Indicator Report of Fall injury (unintentional)

Definition

The number of hospitalizations due to unintentional falls per 10,000 population. ICD-10: W00-W19.

Numerator

Number of hospitalizations due to unintentional falls (ICD-10 codes: W00-W19).

Denominator

Total number of persons in the population of Utah.

Why Is This Important?

Falls are a leading cause of injury death for Utahns, especially those aged 65 and older. Additionally, in Utah, unintentional fall-related inpatient hospital charges for all ages totaled over $1.9 billion from 2016 to 2022.

Other Objectives

{{style color:#1AA1B7 Healthy People 2030 Objective IVP-08:}}[[br]] Reduce fall-related deaths among older adults[[br]] '''U.S. Target:''' 6.34 deaths per 10,000 population Older adults are defined as adults aged 65 years or older.

How Are We Doing?

Unintentional falls caused 386 unintentional fall-related deaths in Utah in 2023; 85.5% (330/386) of deaths were among Utahns aged 65 and older. In 2022, females aged 65 and older had a significantly higher crude rate of hospitalizations due to unintentional falls (120.4 per 10,000 population) than males aged 65 and older (73.9 per 10,000 population). Note: 2022 is the most current year for which data is available for hospitalizations. 2023 is the most current year for which data is available for deaths.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

In 2022 in Utah, there were 19.3 hospitalizations due to unintentional falls for every 10,000 people (age-adjusted rate). This is less than the U.S. age-adjusted rate of 37.8 hospitalizations per 10,000 people hospitalized due to unintentional falls in 2022. The U.S. rate provided is based on CDC WISQARS data, and reflects the rate of unintentional (includes undetermined) fall hospitalizations among a larger nonfatal fall emergency department visits dataset. In 2022 in Utah, there were 1.6 deaths due to unintentional falls for every 10,000 people (age-adjusted rate). This is more than the U.S. age-adjusted rate of 1.1 deaths due to unintentional falls per 10,000 people in 2022. The U.S. rate provided is based on CDC WISQARS data; the most recent U.S. data available was for 2022. Crude death rates due to unintentional falls are substantially greater among those ages 65 and older. In 2022 in Utah, there were 9.7 deaths due to unintentional falls for every 10,000 people aged 65 years and older (crude rate). This exceeds the U.S. crude rate of 7.7 deaths due to unintentional falls per 10,000 people aged 65 years and older in 2022. The U.S. rate provided is based on Health People 2030 data; the most recent U.S. data available was for 2022.

What Is Being Done?

The DHHS Violence and Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) receives funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect traumatic brain injury surveillance data, including a falls-specific data module, for the state of Utah. This is done through review of hospital discharge data, vital statistics data, and hospital records abstractions. Local health departments and other community-based agencies have implemented evidence-based falls prevention programs, such as the Stepping On program and Matter of Balance program. These programs work to increase strength and balance, reduce fall hazards in the home, and build self-efficacy among participants to reduce the fear of falling. National research shows the programs reduce falls among participants. The classes are free to the public. The Utah Falls Prevention Coalition was established by the VIPP in 2011 with the purpose of developing a strategic, statewide response to the growing rate of falls among older adults in the state. Until this time, there had been no single, statewide response to address this public health problem in Utah. Many organizations were implementing falls prevention activities but resources and activities were scattered and disjointed when looked at from a public health perspective. The Coalition has three main purposes: 1) bring together partners who have an interest in falls prevention among older adults, 2) develop goals and strategies on falls prevention among older adults to include in the Utah Violence and Injury Plan, and 3) ready the state for future funding opportunities on falls prevention.

Available Services

The Healthy Aging Program offers a variety of evidence-based programs for living well, including those focused on preventing falls. Many of these programs are no-cost. These programs include EnhanceFitness, Stepping On, and Tai Chi classes. EnhanceFitness focuses on stretching, flexibility, balance, low impact aerobics, and strength training exercises. Stepping On addresses medication, visual impairments, strength, balance, and the home environment. Tai Chi is an enjoyable exercise that can relieve your pain, improve your health, and increase your ability to do things. You can sign up for classes near you at [https://healthyaging.utah.gov/livingwell/#prev]. Contact your local health department or senior center for more information on available classes.

Health Program Information

The DHHS Violence and Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) is a trusted and comprehensive resource for data related to violence and injury. Through education, this information helps promote partnerships and programs to prevent injuries and improve public health.


Related Indicators

Relevant Population Characteristics

Unintentional fall-related hospitalizations are highest among Utahns 65 years of age and older. Women are injured more often from falls than men, but men die more often from their injuries.

Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:


Risk Factors

Risk factors for falls include older age, poor eyesight, lack of regular exercise, poor nutrition, substance abuse and smoking, and misuse of medications. Some medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness and some drugs can interact with other medications or alcohol and cause problems that may lead to falling. In addition, certain health conditions can increase the risk of falls including osteoporosis, arthritis, clinical depression, dementia, and neurological or musculoskeletal disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. In the home environmental hazards such as poor lighting, lack of grab bars and handrails, slippery or wet surfaces, uneven floors and surfaces, clutter, and loose throw rugs are factors in many falls.

Related Risk Factors Indicators:


Health Status Outcomes

Falls are the leading cause of death and injury disability among Utahns 65 years of age and older. Falls account for more than 95% of hip fractures and are the leading cause of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries among seniors. Among people ages 75 and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer. Nearly one in four elderly Utahns will die of complications from a hip fracture within one year of the injury. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Related Health Status Outcomes Indicators:




Graphical Data Views

Unintentional fall hospitalization visits by age group and sex, Utah, 2016-2022

::chart - missing::
confidence limits

Unintentional fall injury hospitalization rates are higher the older a person gets. Females had higher rates than males for the older age groups.
Males vs. FemalesAge groupHospitalizations per 10,000 populationLower LimitUpper Limit
Record Count: 12
Male0-174.13.84.3
Male18-445.45.25.6
Male45-5410.49.811.0
Male55-6421.420.522.3
Male65-7439.938.541.3
Male75+141.6138.2145.1
Female0-172.42.22.6
Female18-442.62.52.8
Female45-548.47.88.9
Female55-6424.823.825.7
Female65-7459.257.660.9
Female75+225.0221.1228.9

Data Sources

  • Utah Inpatient Hospital Discharge Data, Healthcare Information & Analysis Programs, Office of Research & Evaluation, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
  • For years 2010 and later, the population estimates are provided by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah state and county annual population estimates are by single year of age and sex, IBIS Version 2023


Unintentional fall injury hospitalizations among adults 65+ by local health district, Utah, 2016-2022

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confidence limits

Local health districtHospitalizations per 10,000 population 65+Lower LimitUpper Limit
Record Count: 14
Bear River98.593.4103.8
Central123.1115.8130.8
Davis County99.695.8103.5
Salt Lake County108.5106.4110.7
San Juan56.244.669.8
Southeast112.7103.6122.4
Southwest100.297.0103.6
Summit89.280.298.9
Tooele110.9101.5121.0
TriCounty100.091.2109.4
Utah County107.1103.7110.5
Wasatch88.378.099.6
Weber-Morgan100.596.4104.7
State of Utah104.6103.4105.9

Data Sources

  • Utah Inpatient Hospital Discharge Data, Healthcare Information & Analysis Programs, Office of Research & Evaluation, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
  • For years 2010 and later, the population estimates are provided by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah state and county annual population estimates are by single year of age and sex, IBIS Version 2023


Unintentional fall injury hospitalizations among adults 65+ by Utah Small Area, 2016-2022

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confidence limits

Utah Small AreasHospitalizations per 10,000 population 65+Lower LimitUpper Limit
Record Count: 100
Brigham City138.4124.1154.0
Box Elder Co (Other) V2112.794.2133.7
Tremonton108.091.6126.6
Logan V2133.0121.3145.6
North Logan159.1139.5180.7
Cache (Other)/Rich (All) V2115.1101.1130.5
Hyrum132.0103.6165.7
Smithfield133.4112.3157.3
Ben Lomond126.3116.6136.5
Weber County (East)115.6105.2126.7
Morgan County101.282.8122.3
Ogden (Downtown)133.3120.3147.3
South Ogden120.6109.7132.3
Roy/Hooper112.5102.0123.9
Riverdale179.8164.1196.5
Clearfield Area/Hooper134.3122.9146.6
Layton/South Weber106.198.0114.7
Kaysville/Fruit Heights111.099.0124.0
Syracuse127.6109.8147.5
Centerville113.799.0130.1
Farmington113.397.1131.4
North Salt Lake101.284.1120.6
Woods Cross/West Bountiful101.882.7123.9
Bountiful142.5133.0152.4
SLC (Rose Park)102.289.4116.2
SLC (Avenues)85.174.796.4
SLC (Foothill/East Bench)119.0105.9133.1
Magna138.3120.3158.3
SLC (Glendale) V2105.689.2124.1
West Valley (Center)126.0114.8138.0
West Valley (West) V2126.0114.8138.0
West Valley (East) V2123.9112.4136.2
SLC (Downtown) V2124.0111.7137.3
SLC (Southeast Liberty)99.785.7115.4
South Salt Lake162.6145.4181.2
SLC (Sugar House)149.7137.4162.9
Millcreek (South)142.8129.4157.2
Millcreek (East)138.2125.0152.3
Holladay V2154.5142.4167.4
Cottonwood126.0117.2135.3
Kearns V2133.9118.5150.8
Taylorsville (E)/Murray (W)127.6115.8140.2
Taylorsville (West)142.8130.4156.0
Murray135.8124.1148.4
Midvale134.6121.0149.2
West Jordan (Northeast) V2113.4100.2128.0
West Jordan (Southeast)142.9127.6159.4
West Jordan (W)/Copperton111.695.4129.6
South Jordan V2139.3127.1152.3
Daybreak173.4152.1196.9
Sandy (West)156.1141.5171.9
Sandy (Center) V2106.794.6119.9
Sandy (Northeast)114.7102.9127.5
Sandy (Southeast)104.493.4116.4
Draper142.5127.9158.2
Riverton/Bluffdale131.0117.6145.5
Herriman120.8105.0138.4
Tooele County (Other)140.7120.9162.8
Tooele Valley130.1118.4142.7
Eagle Mountain/Cedar Valley79.663.798.2
Lehi123.6111.0137.2
Saratoga Springs72.158.388.2
American Fork133.9121.4147.3
Alpine100.880.2125.1
Pleasant Grove/Lindon146.8134.2160.3
Orem (North)162.8146.5180.3
Orem (West)104.091.7117.4
Orem (East)106.693.6120.9
Provo/BYU132.5120.9144.9
Provo (West City Center)119.5102.9138.0
Provo (East City Center)122.498.5150.3
Salem City116.694.7142.1
Spanish Fork171.5154.8189.4
Springville134.4119.5150.6
Mapleton183.4155.0215.4
Utah County (South) V2159.2133.1188.9
Payson191.5172.1212.5
Park City121.5108.4135.8
Summit County (East)143.1121.1167.8
Wasatch County128.8115.5143.1
Daggett and Uintah County130.8117.7145.0
Duchesne County120.6104.9138.1
Nephi/Mona240.7206.8278.7
Delta/Fillmore126.2106.1149.0
Sanpete Valley166.5148.3186.3
Central (Other)156.5142.0172.0
Richfield/Monroe/Salina146.7129.2166.0
Carbon County167.4151.5184.5
Emery County179.8155.2207.2
Grand County87.171.6105.0
Blanding/Monticello90.770.8114.4
San Juan County (Other)56.138.678.8
St. George152.4145.7159.4
Washington Co (Other) V2126.9110.9144.5
Washington City156.1142.2170.9
Hurricane/La Verkin123.2111.1136.2
Ivins/Santa Clara119.2105.2134.6
Cedar City109.098.8120.0
Southwest LHD (Other)111.6101.1123.0
State of Utah130.8129.4132.2

Data Sources

  • Utah Inpatient Hospital Discharge Data, Healthcare Information & Analysis Programs, Office of Research & Evaluation, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
  • Population estimates used linear interpolation of U.S. Census Bureau, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute population estimates, and ESRI ZIP Code data provided annual population estimates for ZIP Code areas by sex and age groups, IBIS Version 2023


Unintentional fall death rates by age group and sex for older adults, Utah, 2016-2023

::chart - missing::
confidence limits

Deaths due to falls significantly increase as people age due to increased frailty and decreased response to environmental risks that lead to falls. With each increase in 10-year age group, the rate increases 3-4 times accordingly. Males are generally more likely than females to pass away due to a fall.
Males vs. FemalesAge groupDeaths per 100,000 populationLower LimitUpper LimitNumer- atorDenom- inator
Record Count: 10
Male45-545.24.16.5751,441,659
Male55-649.17.410.91091,202,414
Male65-7425.221.928.7220874,693
Male75-8495.286.0105.3384403,180
Male85+432.3396.0470.9524121,221
Female45-541.40.82.2191,360,219
Female55-644.73.66.1571,203,224
Female65-7413.611.316.2126927,174
Female75-8473.165.681.2347474,923
Female85+359.1332.3387.6661184,052

Data Notes

ICD-10 codes include W00-W19.

Data Sources

  • Utah Death Certificate Database, Office of Vital Records and Statistics, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
  • For years 2010 and later, the population estimates are provided by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah state and county annual population estimates are by single year of age and sex, IBIS Version 2023

References and Community Resources

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, News, "Falls are Leading Cause of Injury-related Death for Older Utahns" [[br]] [https://dhhs.utah.gov/featured-news/falls-are-leading-cause-of-injury-related-death-for-older-utahns/] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WISQARS: Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System [[br]] [https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Injury Prevention & Control [[br]] [https://www.cdc.gov/injury/index.html] Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Healthy Aging Program [[br]] [https://healthyaging.utah.gov/]

More Resources and Links

Evidence-based community health improvement ideas and interventions may be found at the following sites:

Additional indicator data by state and county may be found on these Websites:

Medical literature can be queried at the PubMed website.

Page Content Updated On 10/02/2024, Published on 10/08/2024
Violence and Injury Prevention Program, Office of Health Promotion and Prevention, Utah Department of Health and Human Services | Telephone: (801) 538-6864 | Email: vipp@utah.gov | Website: vipp.utah.gov
The information provided above is from the Utah Department of Health's Center for Health Data IBIS-PH web site (http://epht.health.utah.gov). The information published on this website may be reproduced without permission. Please use the following citation: " Retrieved Mon, 23 December 2024 8:19:26 from Utah Department of Health, Center for Health Data, Indicator-Based Information System for Public Health Web site: http://epht.health.utah.gov ".

Content updated: Tue, 8 Oct 2024 16:32:37 MDT