Prevalência de quedas em idosos no município de Campina Grande-PB

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of falls in the elderly, in Campina Grande - PB, and their characteristics. It is a cross-sectional study from a modified Multidimensional assessment. The study included 384 subjects aged over 60 years, from September / 2010 to February / 2011. The interview was conducted in the homes of the elderly. The results were analyzed descriptively, with percentage frequency, mean and standard deviation and comparative analysis of nominal variables using chi-quadrate. The average age of participants was approximately 72 years, predominantly female and low education. The average wage is close to two minimum wages that come from retirements. Most do not have private health plans. It was observed that the elderly live in Campina Grande, mostly in residential ground floor, easily accessible and in the company of spouses and / or children. The most frequently reported morbidity was hypertension. The prevalence of falls among the elderly in the city of Campina Grande-PB was 39% with an average of 0.5 falls, occurring more frequently in the external environment at home, in the morning. Reports of falls occurred in the home pointed to the backyard and the kitchen as the environments more often, the stumbling block being the causes of slip and fall more reported. As a result, the falls resulted in some kind of injury, though, has not been reported need for health care, in most cases. There was a significant predominance of elderly people related to fear of falling. It was observed that the prevalence of falls was found higher than the values reported in the literature, being necessary to adopt strategies that provide access to the actions of the elderly population to prevent the event.