Author/Authors :
Nemati, Shadman Rhino-Sinus, Ear, and Skull Base Diseases Research Center - Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Gerami, Houshang Rhino-Sinus, Ear, and Skull Base Diseases Research Center - Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Karimi, Zahra Rhino-Sinus, Ear, and Skull Base Diseases Research Center - Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Hosseinzadeh, Rastin Rhino-Sinus, Ear, and Skull Base Diseases Research Center - Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Dadashi, Arsalan Guilan Health Center - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Ahmadi Gooraji, Somayeh Research Counselling Unit - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Saberi, Alia Neuroscience Research Center - Department of Neurology - Poursina Hospital - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Mohtasham Amiri, Zahra Department of Community and Preventive Medicine - School of Medicine - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Aging is a natural and physiological process. Moreover, balance disorders frequently
occur in the elderly and cause many morbidities in this population.
Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate balance disorders and their related factors in the
healthy elderly population of the rural areas of Guilan province, in the north of Iran.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 425 individuals over 65 years
old were selected by random cluster sampling method from the villages of Rasht, the capital
city of Guilan province. After obtaining written consent, the subjects were examined for balance
disturbance through gait and balance adjusted scale (GABS) index. The obtained results were
reported as frequency. We applied the Mann-Whitney U test and non-parametric regression analysis
for non-normally distributed dependent variables. The obtained data were analyzed in software
version 18.
Results: The Mean±SD score of GABS was 10.07±8.00 [median (IQR):7(10.5)]. A total of 425
individuals were selected, but 413 completed the research (218 males and 195 females). In total,
73.1% of the subjects reported at least one disorder among the investigated parameters, and 45.2%
mentioned a disorder in at least one of the studied parameters in medical history. By modified
GABS; 42.2% of the subjects reported disorders in at least one of the investigated parameters.
Conclusion: Nearly half of the elderly population in the rural areas of the north of Iran suffer from
balance disorder. This data was obtained by their medical history and physical exam.
