Article

The purpose of this study was to determine if falls in polio survivors, with or
without post-polio syndrome (PPS), are related to number of medications taken,
use of anti-depressant or psychoactive medications, or self-report of depression.
A survey was sent to 300 members of a regional polio support group, asking them
to document their fall history, medications used, and the presence of depression.
Depression was measured by self-report and with the Geriatric Depression Scale,
short form (GDS-15). One hundred and seventy-two usable surveys were returned
with 146 of those completing the medication list. Sixty-two percent reported at
least one fall in the past year. The multiple logistic regression was significant
(p = 0.023), and it indicated depression to be a significant predictor (p =
0.012) of falls in polio survivors with and without PPS.
The number of total
medications or anti-depressant or psychoactive medications used was not related
to fall incidence. Routine screening and treatment for depression may be one
aspect of fall prevention which can be implemented through primary care.

Langue : ANGLAIS