Hospitalized fall injuries and race in California

Abstract

Objective - To compare risks for falls and their consequences among four major race/ethnic groups in California. Methods - Cases are 104 902 hospital discharges of California residents with a same level fall injury as the principal external cause of injury. Included are all discharges for a first hospitalization for a given injury in any California non-federal hospital from 1995-97. Analysis includes crude and age standardized rates to describe risks, diagnoses, and consequences. Results - Rates per 100 000 for same level hospitalized fall injuries for whites (161) are distinctively higher than for blacks (64), Hispanics (43), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (35). Whites are more likely to have a fracture diagnosis and to be discharged to long term care rather than home, suggesting a poorer outcome or greater severity. Same level falls absorb a large proportion of hospital resources directed to the treatment of injuries. Conclusions - In a four way comparison among race/ethnic groups, whites are distinguished by their high incidence, rates of fracture, and unfavorable discharge status. Prevention, particularly aimed at whites, has potential to improve health and save treatment resources.