About The Study

This study will determine the frequency and risk factors for falls in a sample of older persons living with HIV.  As a pilot trial, this work will also collaborate with the HIV community to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a future interventional study focused on preventing falls.

Background

About one-third of older adults (people 65 years or older) fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization in this group and can result in hip fractures. One-third of older adults with a hip fracture will die within one year of the incident. Fall risk generally increases with each additional comorbidity and each additional medication. More than half of people living with HIV worldwide are now over the age of 50, putting many of them at risk of falling. Older adults living with HIV are thought to fall more often than their HIV-negative peers, but we don’t have clear information on potentially modifiable risk factors for falls among persons with HIV, or on the preferences of older persons with HIV as it pertains to an interventional trial to reduce falls.

Study Approach

This study will include people living with HIV who are 65 years or older and receiving care at the Southern Alberta HIV Clinic in Calgary (247 people). During routine clinic visits, participants will be asked about falling — those who report a fall in the past year will be placed in the study group and those who do not report a fall will be in the control group. All participants will complete a detailed questionnaire on fall history and risk factors, as well as a set of baseline physical performance measures, like balance and gait speed. The researchers will then compare the data between the two groups. All participants will also be asked about their willingness to participate in a fall prevention interventional study, as well as acceptability and study design, to ensure any future study would be suited to the needs of the community.

Eligibility Requirements

Required

  1. Older adults (≥ 65 years)
  2. Receiving clinical care at the Southern Alberta HIV Clinic

Not Allowed

  1. Adults < 65 years
  2. Unable to provide informed consent

Principal Investigator

Here’s who is leading this study.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email ctninfo@hivnet.ubc.ca.

Participating Sites

Here’s where this study is being conducted.

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