Abstract: Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of falls among the elderly in the urban and rural areas of Neijiang, so as to provide a scientific basis for fall prevention strategies. Methods A multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling method was employed to select individuals aged 60 years and older from urban and rural communities in Neijiang as study participants for an epidemiological survey on falls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the associated risk factors for falls. Results A total of 1 009 elderly individuals aged 60 and above were included in the study, comprising 503 males and 506 females, with a mean age of 73.12±7.67 years. The sample consisted of 505 participants from urban communities and 504 from rural areas. Over the preceding year, 263 individuals experienced a total of 351 fall events, yielding a fall incidence rate of 26.07%. The incidence of falls was significantly higher in rural areas (29.76%) compared to urban communities (22.37%) (P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female gender (OR=1.649) and the use of medication for chronic diseases (OR=2.813) were significant risk factors for falls among the urban elderly population. In the rural cohort, significant predictors of falls included female gender (OR=1.548), education level below primary school (OR=1.992), sleep duration of less than 6 hours (OR=2.105), and the use of medication for chronic diseases (OR=2.458). Conclusion The incidence of falls among the elderly in urban and rural Neijiang is considerable. The risk factors for falls are more numerous among the rural elderly population when compared to their urban counterparts. It is imperative to direct particular attention towards the rural elderly, elderly women, and individuals afflicted with chronic conditions. Comprehensive intervention strategies should be implemented, focusing on enhancing health education and fall prevention training, actively managing chronic diseases, providing guidance on rational drug use, and fostering the development of healthy sleep habits to mitigate the risk of falls in the elderly population.

Key words: Urban-rural, Elderly, Falls, Epidemiological characteristics, Influencing factors