Volume 11, Issue 4 (2-2025)
J Jiroft Univ Med Sci 2025, 11(4): 1777-1786 |
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Asadollahi A, Nasimi E, Zahedi A, Asadipor M, Ghadamgahi Z S. The Impact of Criteria Air Pollutants (O₃, NO₂, CO, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀) on Fall Frequency, Fear of Falling, and Imbalance in Older Adults in Selected Cities of Khuzestan Province: A Quasi-Experimental Before- and-After Study. J Jiroft Univ Med Sci 2025; 11 (4) :1777-1786
URL: http://journal.jmu.ac.ir/article-1-815-en.html
URL: http://journal.jmu.ac.ir/article-1-815-en.html
1- Associate Professor, Department. of Gerontology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , a.asadollahi@sums.ac.ir
2- Student Research Committee, Department of Gerontology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Assistant Prof. Department. of Environmental Health, Shoushtar university of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
4- PhD. Student, Department of Gerontology, School of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, Department of Gerontology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Assistant Prof. Department. of Environmental Health, Shoushtar university of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
4- PhD. Student, Department of Gerontology, School of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract: (36 Views)
| Objective: Air pollution is an environmental health risk, and exposure to it—particularly among older adults—is a global concern. Balance impairment, fear of falling, and fall frequency are major challenges in aging populations, yet their association with air pollutants remains understudied. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a cross-sectional sample of the total elderly population of Khuzestan province (Shushtar, Abadan, Ahvaz (140,215 elderly people)) was selected and their experiences of falling, fear of falling, lack of balance, and their relationship with air pollutants were investigated. The second phase was quasi-experimental before and after (no control group) in two polluted and clean urban areas in Shushtar city. Two equal groups (21 people) who met the criteria (age 60-74 years (young elderly), recording the feeling of imbalance while walking and standing in the system, recording the fear of falling in the SIBB system, full alertness of the elderly, etc.) were asked to perform six sessions of balance exercises at home for 3 months. Balance was measured using the TUG test and fear of falling was measured using the FES-I test in two phases before and after the intervention. Results: Fear-of-falling scores significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.001; Cohen’s d>1). No significant regional differences was observed in fall frequency or balance between the two regions (p>0.05). A significant pre-post improvement in balance was observed exclusively in the clean area (p<0.001). Conclusion: Balance exercises can reduce fear of falling and fall frequency among older adults. This study underscores the need to address air pollution’s impact on older adults’ health. |
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Medical Sciences / Geriatrics Medicine
Received: 2024/10/21 | Accepted: 2025/03/7 | Published: 2025/02/28
Received: 2024/10/21 | Accepted: 2025/03/7 | Published: 2025/02/28
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