Predictive Factors for Falls among Hospitalized Older Adults on Antihypertensive Medications in China

  • Authors

    • Yanqun Hu Graduate School, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, Philippines and Registered Nurse, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1483-5503
    • Toni-an B. Lachica Dean, College of Nursing at University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4537-8930
    • Sheilla M. Trajera Chair, Nursing and Education Programs at University of St. La Salle Graduate School, Bacolod City, Philippines and Faculty, BSN, MN, MAN, and PhD in Nursing, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1834-7275
    • Gregory S. Ching Professor, Graduate Institute of Educational Administration and Policy, National ChengChi University, Taipei City, Taiwan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9148-0019
    https://doi.org/10.14419/r2wqnf05

    Received date: October 15, 2025

    Accepted date: October 20, 2025

    Published date: October 24, 2025

  • Hypertension; Older Adults; Fall Risk; Antihypertensive Medications; Nursing Interventions

  • Abstract

    Hypertension is highly prevalent among middle-aged and older adults in China, making them particularly vulnerable to falls due to complications such as orthostatic hypotension and dizziness. Since fall prevention is a key indicator of nursing care quality, this study examined predictive factors of fall risk among hospitalized older adults receiving antihypertensive medications. A retrospective quantitative design was applied using 255 cases (1:1 ratio of fall and non-fall patients) drawn from medical records and adverse event reports of three general hospitals in Hainan Province. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations with fall risk. Results showed that 49.80% of participants experienced falls during hospitalization. Significant predictors included advanced age (p < .001), low body mass index (p = .028), high-dose antihypertensive use (p < .001), polypharmacy with two or more antihypertensive classes (p < .001), and acute duration of antihypertensive therapy (p < .001). Based on these factors, a fall risk prediction model was developed to support rapid clinical identification of high-risk patients. The findings provide a theoretical and practical basis for targeted nursing interventions to reduce fall incidence in older adult inpatients on antihypertensive medications.

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    Hu, Y., Lachica, T.- an B., Trajera, S. M., & Ching, G. S. (2025). Predictive Factors for Falls among Hospitalized Older Adults on Antihypertensive Medications in China. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(6), 514-524. https://doi.org/10.14419/r2wqnf05