A Comparative Study of Fall Incidence Among Elderly Patients in Government and Private Hospitals in Katsina State
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Background of the Study
Falls among elderly patients represent a significant public health issue, contributing to morbidity, disability, and mortality (WHO, 2023). The World Health Organization estimates that falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, with elderly populations at heightened risk due to age-related physiological changes, frailty, and chronic illnesses (CDC, 2024). In healthcare settings, especially hospitals, fall incidence is a critical metric for evaluating patient safety and healthcare quality.
Government and private hospitals differ in terms of infrastructure, staffing, and patient care approaches, which may influence fall incidence rates. Government hospitals often handle a larger volume of patients, have limited resources, and may experience staffing shortages (Adekunle et al., 2023). Private hospitals, on the other hand, typically provide specialized care and have better nurse-to-patient ratios, but accessibility may be limited due to higher costs (Ogunleye & Hassan, 2024). Understanding how these differences impact fall incidence is crucial for implementing targeted interventions that reduce fall-related injuries and improve patient outcomes.
Several studies have examined fall risk factors among hospitalized elderly patients, highlighting the role of medication use, cognitive impairment, and mobility limitations (Smith et al., 2024). However, limited research has compared fall rates between government and private hospitals in Nigeria, particularly in Katsina State. Given the increasing aging population and the burden of falls on healthcare systems, this study seeks to bridge that gap by analyzing the incidence, associated factors, and preventive measures in both healthcare settings.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the implementation of fall prevention protocols in hospitals, falls remain a significant challenge among elderly patients, leading to extended hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life (Eze et al., 2024). While government and private hospitals in Katsina State offer healthcare services to elderly patients, the extent to which their differences in funding, staffing, and facilities impact fall incidence has not been thoroughly explored.
Government hospitals, constrained by resource limitations, may struggle with patient monitoring and timely interventions, potentially leading to higher fall rates. Conversely, private hospitals, despite their improved healthcare infrastructure, may not be immune to fall incidents due to variations in care protocols and patient characteristics. Understanding these dynamics is critical for improving hospital policies and fall prevention strategies (Ibrahim & Yusuf, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
- To compare the incidence of falls among elderly patients in government and private hospitals in Katsina State.
- To identify risk factors contributing to falls in both healthcare settings.
- To evaluate fall prevention strategies and their effectiveness in government and private hospitals.
Research Questions
- What are the differences in fall incidence among elderly patients in government and private hospitals?
- What are the major risk factors associated with falls in elderly patients across both hospital types?
- How effective are current fall prevention strategies in government and private hospitals?
Research Hypotheses
- There is no significant difference in fall incidence between government and private hospitals.
- Risk factors for falls do not vary significantly between elderly patients in government and private hospitals.
- Fall prevention strategies are equally effective in both hospital types.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on elderly patients (aged 60 and above) in selected government and private hospitals in Katsina State. It will assess fall incidence, risk factors, and prevention strategies over a defined period. Limitations include potential discrepancies in hospital record-keeping, variations in patient characteristics, and differences in healthcare policies that may influence results.
Definitions of Terms
- Fall Incidence: The occurrence of falls within a specific population over a given time.
- Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 and above receiving medical care.
- Government Hospital: A publicly funded healthcare institution providing medical services.
- Private Hospital: A healthcare facility owned and operated by private entities, offering medical services for a fee.
- Fall Prevention Strategies: Interventions aimed at reducing the likelihood of falls in healthcare settings.
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