The complexity of basophobia and aging: covariates and consequences.

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.