Trauma patterns and epidemiological characteristics among older adults: a retrospective registry-based study in Iran

Geriatric trauma involves injuries in older people. It significantly contributes to illness and death, with older adults facing unique health challenges and risks. The present study aimed to describe trauma patterns and epidemiological characteristics of older adults patients admitted to a trauma center affiliated with the National Trauma Registry of Iran. This retrospective study was conducted on all older people (60 years and older) at Shahid Rahnamoon Hospital, affiliated with the National Trauma Registry of Iran during the period of September 2017 through December 2021. Demographic information, type and cause of trauma, severity of injury, level of consciousness, and outcome of trauma were extracted from clinical records and analysed using chi-square, ANOVA, and log-linear regression tests. A total of 884 older people trauma patients were included. The mean age of patients was 72.5 ± 13.6 years, 64.4% were male, and 85.2% were married. Head (25.6%) and hip/thigh (23.4%) injuries were the most common trauma types; whereas hand injuries were the least frequent (7.6%). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (50.3%). Most injuries occurred at home (46.2%) and during daytime (70.2%). The majority of patients (89%) had a normal level of consciousness. The ratio of expected trauma counts was 1.8 times higher among male than female patients, while patients aged 60–74 years had a 4.5-fold higher ratio of expected counts than those aged ≥ 85 years. Lower educational level, marital status, native residency, and Iranian nationality were significantly associated with the distribution of trauma characteristics ( P < 0.001). Head and hip/thigh injuries were the most common trauma types among older adults, with falls being the leading mechanism. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were significantly associated with observed trauma patterns. These findings may inform targeted fall-prevention strategies and age-responsive trauma care. Not applicable.