Falls of older people in a school-clinic: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Introduction: The changes arising from aging make the elderly more susceptible to disabling events, among them, falls. Objective: To examine the prevalence of falls in the elderly patients of School-Clinic of University of Itaúna and associated risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study using a sample of 118 ederly people aged 60 or older. We administered a structured questionnaire with sociodemographic issues, data on health, falls and domestic security. We used a descriptive analysis and chi-square test. Results: Prevalence of falls in the sample was 27.1% of which 75% of fallers were between 60 and 75 years, and 62% were women. In relation to the event fall, 72% of falls were accidental, and 75% occurred during the day, 59% and 75% reported fear of falling inside and outside home, respectively. Among extrinsic risk factors, the inadequate lighting was statistically significant. Conclusions: We suggested that falls in these elderly occurred mainly by extrinsic factors, emphasizing poor illumination.