The determination of the falling risk of old people in the region of a family health center

This research was carried out to determine the risk of falling in individuals aged 65 and over. This cross-sectional study had been performed at the 60th Year Family Health Center belong to Gaziantep Provincial Health Directorate in May-December 2018. The population of the research consisted of 1050 individuals aged 65 and over, registered 60th Year Family Health Center. The sample was composed of 290 individuals from population determined according to the sample calculation method. Simple-random sampling method was used in sample selection from the population. Introductory Information Form and DENN Risk of Falling Assessment Scale were used as data collection tool in the research. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by using t test, variance analysis and calculating numbers, percentages and mean values at SPSS 23.0 statistical package program. It is calculated that 15.9% of the old people have a low risk of falling, 20.7% of the old people have medium risk of falling and 63.4% of the old people have a high risk of falling. Individuals' average total score of the DENN Fall Risk Assessment Scale was determined as 11.5±5.5. The average score of DENN Fall Risk Assessment Scale of 65-74 age group is lower than the age group of 75- 84 years and 85 years of age and it is 10.4±5.3. (p<0.05) The average of women's risk score is higher than men and it is 12.2±5.2. (p<0.05). The average risk score of the individuals who are single is higher than the married ones and it is 14.0±5.7 (p<0.05). The avarage risk score of individuals who has more outgoings than income is higher than the other individuals who have more income and it is 12.1±5.7 (p<0.05). The average risk score of individuals without social security is higher than those with social security and it is 14.0±5.8 (p<0.05). The average risk score of individuals living with their partners is lower than for individuals living alone and living with other family members and it is 10.0±5.2. (p<0.05). When the average scores of DENN Fall Risk Assessment Scale were compared according to the educational status of old individuals, no statistically significant difference was found between the average scores of individuals according to their education level. (p>0.05). According to the results of the study, the majority of old individuals are in the risky group from the point of falling. According to this study, apart from educational level, all other socio-demographic characteristics of the individuals affect the risk of falling.