Evaluation of risk factors that contribute to falls among the elderly

• Published in: Revista brasileira de geriatria e gerontologia 2017-02, Vol.20 (1), p.56-66
• Main Authors: Alves, Raquel Letícia Tavares, Silva, Carlos Fernando Moreira e, Pimentel, Luísa Negri, Costa, Isabela de Azevedo, Souza, Ana Cristina dos Santos, Coelho, Luma Aparecida Ferreira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged. Drug Evaluation. Fractures; Bone; GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY
• ISSN: 1809-9823; 1981-2256; 1809-9823; 1981-2256
• DOI: 10.1590/1981-22562017020.160022

Abstract Objective: to determine the incidence of falls among the elderly population of the city of Barbacena in the state of Minas Gerais, together with causal factors, circumstances and major consequences. Methods: a cross-sectional study was performed through questionnaires applied to 206 patients over the age of 60, from November 2014 to February 2015 in the city of Barbacena, in the state of Minas Gerais. Risk factors related to falls were analyzed, as well as the incidence of falls and the consequences for the lives of elderly persons. The existence of a relationship between the reporting of falls and possible risk factors was determined by the Chi-squared and Fischer's exact tests as indicated. Results: an incidence of falls of 36.41% was observed among the elderly, 45.95% of which occurred outside the home. A total of 85.71% of respondents had previously suffered strokes and 39.78% were taking medication. Among elderly persons who have fallen and suffered fractures (18.67%), 50% had suffered strokes, 50% were suffering from chronic kidney disease, and 61.54% could not perform their activities of daily living after the fall. Conclusion: it was concluded that the incidence of falls among the elderly was 36.41%, while the most correlated factors were drug use, stroke victims and people with chronic kidney disease. Among those who suffered fractures, 61.54% failed to perform activities of daily living. Preventing falls is a public health concern, and simple changes can reduce its prevalence. Resumo Objetivo: descrever incidência de quedas em idosos no município de Barbacena, MG, com seus fatores causais, circunstâncias e consequências. Método: estudo de corte transversal, realizado mediante aplicação de questionários em 206 pacientes acima de 60 anos de idade, de novembro 2014 a fevereiro de 2015. Foram analisados fatores de risco, incidência e consequência das quedas na vida dos idosos. Foram construídas distribuições de frequência e calculadas as médias, desvios-padrão e percentagens. A existência de relação entre o relato de quedas e seus possíveis fatores de risco foi determinada por Teste qui-quadrado e exato de Fischer conforme a indicação. Resultados: observou-se a incidência de 36,41% de queda em idoso, sendo que 45,95% ocorreram fora de casa, 85,71% dos pesquisados já haviam sofrido acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) e 39,78% faziam uso de medicamento. Dos idosos que caíram e sofreram fratura (18,67%), 50% já tinham sofrido episódio de AVE e 5