This study was a collaborative effort between Dr. Vanida Prasert from Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Chonburi Province, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, and Assoc. Prof. Pasitphon Watcharavongvan, from the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University.
The study aimed to investigate the association between falls and fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) among older adults receiving care at a tertiary hospital’s outpatient clinics. FRIDs were identified using the Section K of STOPP version 2 and the STOPPFall criteria. The study included approximately 20,000 patients aged 65 years and older.
Results showed that 33% of participants had been prescribed FRIDs, with lorazepam being the most commonly used drug. The adjusted relative risk (ARR) of falls among patients taking FRIDs was approximately 1.3. The risk was found to be higher among female patients over 70 years of age, those with polypharmacy, and individuals with frequent outpatient visits. These findings reflected the importance of cautious prescribing and vigilant monitoring of FRIDs, especially in older patients with existing fall risk factors, to prevent adverse events and improve patient safety in elderly patients.
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Citation
Prasert V, Pooput P, Ponsamran P, Vatcharavongvan P, Vongsariyavanich P. The association between falls and fall-risk-increasing drugs among older patients in out-patient clinics: A retrospective cohort, single center study. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2025;21(2):104-109