The complexity of basophobia and aging: covariates and consequences

P. Premalatha, V. Krishnaraju, H.A. Shadia, M.H. Abuadas, F.A. Zainab, A.E. Rasha, E.L. Sampayan, M.A. Abeer, A.A. Hala, K. Prabahar, N. Harikrishnan, E. Vigneshwaran, V. Vinoth Prabhu, H. Alshareef, H.M. Manal

College of Nursing, Mahalah Branch for Girls, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushayt, Asir, Saudi Arabia. pponnuthai@kku.edu.sa

---

• Geriatrics

OBJECTIVE: The study aim is to determine the drug-induced incidence of basophobia, falls, its’ related variables and the consequences among older adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was adopted with 210 older adult samples. The tool consisted of 6 sections: a standardized, semi-structured questionnaire and physical examination. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: Among the study participants, 49% had falls or near falls and 51% had basophobia in the past 6 months. As per final simultaneous regression analysis model of the study, the covariates to activity avoidance were age (ß=-0.129, CI=-0.087 to -0.019), having >5 chronic diseases (ß=-0.086, CI=-1.41 to -1.182), depressive symptoms (ß=-0.09, CI=-0.089 to -0.189), vision impairment (ß=-0.075, CI=-1.28 to -1.56), basophobia (ß=-0.26, CI=-0.059 to -0.415), taking regular antihypertensives (ß=-0.096, CI= -1.21 to -1.56), oral hypoglycemics and insulin (ß=-0.17, CI=-0.442 to -0.971) and sedatives and tranquilizers (ß=-0.37, CI=-1.32 to -1.73). Use of antihypertensives (p<0.001), oral hypoglycemics and insulin (p<0.01), sedatives and tranquilizers (p<0.001) were strongly associated with fall related to activity avoidance.

CONCLUSIONS: The result of this current study suggests that the falls, basophobia and its related activity avoidance among elderly may set in a “vicious cycle” of falls, basophobia, and the numerous negative outcomes such as functional impairment, a decrease in quality of life, and hospitalization. Preventive strategies such as tittering dosage, home- and community -based exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, meditation and sleep hygiene may be the choice to break this vicious cycle.

Free PDF Download