Abstract: Objective To analyze the differences in clinical characteristics among hospitalized elderly patients experienced falls with different fall risk levels, investigate the influencing factors of fall risk levels, and provide evidence for developing precise fall prevention strategies. Methods This study included 190 elderly inpatients who experienced falls at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between July 2022 and July 2024. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and laboratory test results were collected. Based on the results of admission fall risk assessment, the patients were divided into three groups:a high-risk group, a medium-risk group, and a low-risk group. Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences in characteristics among the groups, and ordinal logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with an increased risk of falling. Results Of the 190 patients, 28 (14.74%) were at low risk for falls, 111 (58.42%) were at moderate risk, and 51 (26.84%) were at high risk. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in age, length of hospital stay, comorbidity status, history of malignant tumors, Barthel Index, serum potassium, serum calcium, hemoglobin, and fasting blood glucose levels among the different fall risk groups (P<0.05). Ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that age, Barthel Index, serum potassium, serum calcium, and history of malignant tumors were independent risk factors for fall risk levels in the elderly inpatients experienced falls. Conclusions Hospitalized elderly patients who have fallen are primarily those at moderate to high risk of falling, and their risk level is influenced by a combination of factors, including age, physical function, serum potassium, serum calcium, and malignancies history.

Key words: aged, inpatient, fall risk, risk factor