Falls are a prevalent health concern with a multi-factorial origin and causing numerous complications for older adults, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, such as South Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of falls among older adults living in different types of long-term care facilities in the City of Cape Town. A total of 258 males and females aged between 60 and 95 years were recruited. Data collection occurred from September 2021 to January 2022. Participants were categorized into low, moderate, or high fall risk using the fall-risk assessment tool. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and fall prevalence. The chi-squared test determined significant associations between facility type, marital status, and educational level, and their relationship to falling. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient assessed associations between fall occurrence and various risk factors. Findings indicated that the prevalence of falls was 32.6%. Falls were significantly associated with behaviors such as agitation or confusion, and other unmentioned risk factors. Participants living in facilities run by non-profit organizations, and who had a lower education level or were single or widowed, had a higher fall prevalence. The use of anti-depressant and anti-diabetic medications was significantly linked to increased fall risk. These findings can inform future research and the development of strategies to prevent falls among older adults, particularly in LTC facilities.

Falls are a prevalent health concern with a multi-factorial origin causing numerous complications for the older adults, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, such as South Africa. This study seeks to address the prevalence of falls among older adults living in different types of long-term care (LTC) facilities in the City of Cape Town. A total of 258 males and females aged between 60 – 95 years were recruited. Data collection occurred from September 2021 to January 2022. Participants were categorized into low, moderate, or high fall risk using the Fall Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and fall prevalence. Chi-square test determined significant associations between facility type, marital status, educational level, and their relationship to falling. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient assessed associations between fall occurrences and various risk factors. Findings indicated the prevalence of falls was 32.6%. Falls were significantly associated with behaviours such as agitation or confusion, and other unmentioned risk factors. Participants living in Non-Profit Organisations (NPO), who had a lower education level and were single or widowed, indicated a higher fall prevalence. The use of antidepressant and antidiabetic medications were significantly linked to increased fall risk. These findings can inform future research and the development of strategies to prevent falls among older adults, particularly in LTC facilities.

Jaron Ras and Rucia November were not included as authors in the original publication

This case report highlights an unusual presentation of tuberculosis. Cutaneous tuberculosis has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and may be under-recognised by clinicians. We recommend early biopsy for microbiological diagnosis.

Background: Falls among older adults are a major concern, frequently resulting in injuries and a decreased quality of life. While medication use is known to be a key contributor to fall risk, the specific medications have not been thoroughly investigated. This study is vital to investigate the relationship between specific medications and fall risk, aiming to strengthen safety measures and minimise falls among the elderly in care facilities. Objectives: To determine the relationship between medication use and the risk of falling among the elderly living in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design to investigate males and females, aged 60 years and older, living in retirement facilities in the City of Cape Town. A convenient sampling method was utilised to recruit a total of 258 participants from multiple long-term care facilities in Cape Town, South Africa. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to determine associations between falls, fall risk factors, and various medications used. Results: Majority of participants were at low risk (81%; n=211), 15.1% (n=39) at moderate risk and 3.1% (n=8) at high risk for falling. Antidepressant [χ2 (1)=4.941; p=0.026; OR=2.083 (95% CI: 1.082, 4.012)] and anti-diabetic [χ2 (1)=4.097, p=0.043, OR=2.070 (95% CI: 1.013, 4.228)] medications were the only drugs significantly associated with falling. Conclusion: These findings highlight the significant association between antidepressant and anti-diabetic medications and an increased risk of falls. Effective medication management and fall prevention strategies are essential among this vulnerable population. Clinicians should carefully assess the risks of these medications when prescribing to older adults and consider alternative treatments when necessary.