Interaction effects of alcohol consumption and dizziness/vertigo on fall risk in psychiatric Inpatients: a cross-sectional study

Background Patients with mental disorders have a high incidence of falls and fall-related injuries, and although a history of alcohol consumption and dizziness/vertigo symptoms are assessed at the admission stage, their combined effect on fall risk has not been adequately quantified. Objectives This exploratory study aimed to investigate the potential interaction between a history of alcohol consumption and dizziness/vertigo on the occurrence of falls among patients with mental disorders. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients hospitalized in a psychiatric specialty hospital. Patients were divided into fall and non-fall groups. Data were analyzed using a Chi-square test and Multivariate logistic regression. Multiplicative and additive models were applied to calculate the interactions of a history of alcohol consumption and dizziness/vertigo, respectively. Results 2210 participants were included, 194 in the falls group and 2016 in the non-falls group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the utilization of antiepileptic medication, a history of alcohol consumption, dizziness/vertigo, body mass index (BMI) and diagnostic type were independent risk factors for falls in patients diagnosed with mental disorders. The multiplicative interaction analysis revealed a statistically significant interaction between a history of alcohol consumption and the presence of dizziness/vertigo on the incidence of falls among patients with mental disorders, after controlling for relevant variables( P