Prevalence of falls in institutionalized elderly in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil

Authors

  • Lílian Gatto Gonçalves Universidade Católica de Pelotas; Centro de Ciência da Vida e da Saúde
  • Simone Theodosio Vieira Universidade Católica de Pelotas; Centro de Ciência da Vida e da Saúde
  • Fernando Vinholes Siqueira Universidade Católica de Pelotas; Centro de Ciência da Vida e da Saúde
  • Pedro Curi Hallal Universidade Federal de Pelotas; Escola Superior de Educação Física; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000500021

Keywords:

Aged, Accidental Falls, Risk Factors, Health of Institutionalized Elderly, Cross-Sectional Studies

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The increase of life expectancy in developing countries has been a source of concern about quality of life and well-being of elderly people, especially regarding falls. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of falls in institutionalized elderly and to describe factors associated. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in the city of Rio Grande (Southern Brazil). A total of 180 elderly (65 years old or more), living in institutions were included in the study. The elderly were interviewed and a pre-tested instrument with questions on falls was administered. In addition to a bivariate analysis (Wald), Poisson's regression analysis was conducted and prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) adjusted for confounders were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of falls among institutionalized elderly was 38.3%. Falls were most frequently seen at the home premises (62.3%) and mostly in the bedroom (23%). In the adjusted analysis, falls remained associated to white color skin, separated and divorced elderly, depression, and higher continuous use of medications. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the prevalence of falls among institutionalized elderly is high and that they can be disabling to this population. Although some of the associated factors are preventable, accidental falls still occur in settings that should be safe, such as the elderly's bedroom.

Published

2008-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Gonçalves, L. G., Vieira, S. T., Siqueira, F. V., & Hallal, P. C. (2008). Prevalence of falls in institutionalized elderly in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil . Revista De Saúde Pública, 42(5), 938-945. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000500021