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

Authors

  • Renata Antunes Lopes UFMG, UIT, Belo Horizonte.
  • Bárbara Santos do Amaral Carvalho
  • Daniela Magalhães Pereira Mourão
  • Maíra Gomes Dias
  • Natália Corradi Drumond Mitre Universidade de Itaúna
  • Guilherme Almada Morais

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/conssaude.v9i3.2327

Keywords:

Associated factors, Elderly, Falls, Prevalence.

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.

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Author Biography

Renata Antunes Lopes, UFMG, UIT, Belo Horizonte.

1Fisioterapeuta. Especialista em Fisioterapia com ênfase em Geriatria e Gerontologia – UFMG. Preceptora da Clínica-escola de Fisioterapia – UIT. Belo Horizonte, MG – Brasil.

Published

2010-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Lopes RA, Carvalho BS do A, Mourão DMP, Dias MG, Mitre NCD, Morais GA. Falls of older people in a school-clinic: prevalence and associated factors. Cons. Saúde [Internet]. 2010 Sep. 30 [cited 2024 Jul. 2];9(3):381-8. Available from: https://periodicos.uninove.br/saude/article/view/2327

Issue

Section

Applied Sciences