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Fractures and falls among older adults in New Zealand.

Year:
2018
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$125,100.00
Researchers:
Dr Samuela Ofanoa
Health issue:
Ageing
Proposal type:
Pacific Health PhD Scholarship
Lay summary
The study focuses on fractures and falls among older populations in New Zealand. It aims to investigate the risk factors for falls, injuries and fractures using data gained from the ViDA Study, ACC claims and hospital discharges (from the Ministry of Health). The ViDA (Vitamin D Assessment) Study is a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) to determine if a monthly dose of vitamin D3 (100,000 IU) prevents cardiovascular disease (primary outcome) and respiratory infections (secondary outcome) in people aged 50-84 years. 5108 eligible participants were recruited and randomised from April 2011 to November 2012. The participants were then followed until July 2015. Follow-up data on falls and fractures were collected from self-completed questionnaires (returned monthly and 4-monthly), and from ACC claims and hospital discharges (provided by the Ministry of Health). Data will be analysed using Cox proportional hazards to calculate hazard ratios during the follow-up period (SAS).