Health Indicator Report of Fall injury (unintentional)

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.

Notes

ICD-10 codes include W00-W19.

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.

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.