1College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea 2Keukdong College 3Bobath Memorial Hospital
Abstract
Purpose: To identify the relationship between medication use and falls among hospitalized stroke patients. Method: The medical records of 472 patients with strokes were reviewed using a questionnaire on falling developed by the authors. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and t-test and ${chi}^2$-test, multiple logistic regression analysis were done using the SAS program. Results: The rate for falls by the patients during their stay in the hospital was 14.0%. The length of stay was longer and the morbidity duration of stroke shorter in the fall group than in the non-fall group. The use of sedatives, laxatives, and antidepressants was a significant predictor of falls and was associated with increase likelihood of falling(1.82, 1.81, 1.75 times respectively). Conclusion: In hospitalized stroke patients, there was a significant association between the use of sedatives, laxatives, antidepressants and falls. The number and kinds of ingested drugs was also associated with falls. It is necessary to further analyze the causes of falls based on results of the present study.
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