Accidental falls in the elderly and their relation with functional capacity

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determinate the prevalence of falls in the elderly and its relationship with the functional capacity. Method: This is an epidemiological and cross-sectional study; a two-stage cluster sample of 240 male and female subjects aged over 60 years was used. Data were collected from November 2010 to February 2011. The following questionnaires were used: socio-demographic profile, assessment of falls, Functional Independence Measure, Lawton and Brody Scale. Significance was set at 0.05. To identify the occurrence of falls and their relation with functional capacity, the prevalence ratio and prevalence odds ratios were used, as well as multiple logistic regression. Results: Average age was 73.5 years (±8.4); 25% 80 years or more, with preponderance of female gender; 48.8% attended school between 1-4 years. The average was 1.33 falls (±0.472), with prevalence in women and elderly between 60 and 79 years old; the most frequently sites were the backyard and bathroom. Strong correlation between the level of functional independence and instrumental activities and age was found, but no relation between elderly victims of falls and the gender and age variables. Conclusion: Women who suffered falls related to functional independence were predominant, which can be prevented through elderly health promotion strategies, a policy that serves to offer living conditions to people in the aging process.Descriptors: Aged; Accidental Falls; Activities of Daily Living; Cross Sectional Study. quedas relacionadas à independência funcional, podendo-se prevenir com estratégias de promoção à saúde ao idoso, política essa para oferecer condição de vida à pessoa no processo de envelhecer.Descritores: Idoso; Acidentes por Quedas; Atividades Cotidianas; Estudos Transversais. Caídas en mayores y su relación con la capacidad funcionalObjetivo: Determinar la superioridad de caídas en los mayores y su relación con la capacidad funcional. Método: Estudio epidemiológico transversal de base de la población, con una muestra por conglomerado de doble cursillo de 240 sujetos, con edad arriba de 60 años, de ambos los sexos, residentes en Ribeirão Preto. Los datos fueron colectados entre noviembre de 2010 y febrero de 2011 y se utilizaron los cuestionarios: perfil social, evaluación de caídas; Medida de Independencia Funcional y Escala de Lawton y Brody. Fue adoptado el nivel de significancia de 0,05. Para la identificación de la ocurrencia de las caídas y su relación con la capacidad funcional fueron utilizadas razón de superioridad y de chances de superioridad y regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: La media mayores fue de 73,5 años (±8,4), 25% con 80 años o más, predominio del sexo femenino; 48,8% estudiaron durante 1 a 4 años. Media 1,33 caídas (±0,472); con mayor superioridad en mujeres y mayores más jóvenes; el local más frecuente fue el patio y el baño. Hubo fuerte correlación entre nivel de independencia funcional y las actividades instrumentales con la edad y no hubo relación entre los mayores que sufrieron caída y las var...

Aptidão funcional em idosas do sul do Brasil: valores normativos e comparação com idosas de diferentes países

“…Different methods and motor tests have been developed to evaluate the functional fitness of older adults 5,6 . Rikli and Jones 3 proposed a battery of functional fitness tests with normative scores for older adults based on a study that included 7,143 participants (4,058 women) aged 60-94 years from 20 different states of the United States (US).…”

Nursing care for the prevention of falls in the elderly: an integrative review

“…The theoretical deepening on measures to prevent the biggest health problems of this population is the first step to promote active aging. Because falls contribute to the reduction of functional capacity of elderly people [11], they represent an important target of preventive strategies. Falls represent a serious global problem, as it is reflected in the characteristics of the publications included in the present study.…”

“…It is observed at this scenario that the inclusion of the elderly in discussions regarding their treatment plan and the consequent promotion of self-care in this context is very important. The main goal in gerontology, in the care for the elderly, is to maintain independence and autonomy for basic activities of daily life, which can be directly related to quality of life [11].…”

“…The understanding of the increase of the elderly population, the impact of falls and consequent factors on the life of the elderly, families and society and the lack of studies on this topic [11][12] led to interest to develop the present research. Knowing the care provided by the nursing staff to prevent falls among older adults is important because this will help to design the experiments developed until present and their repercussions.…”

Funcionalidade, Aptidão Motora E Condições De Saúde Em Idosos Longevos Residentes Em Domicílio

“…Supõe-se que as razões para que os homens apresentem taxa de mortalidade superior à das mulheres estão associadas a questões como os papéis sociais e estilos de vida, e relacionado ao fato de que elas procuram mais os serviços de saúde (1,7) . No presente estudo, a maioria dos idosos possui como fonte de renda a aposentadoria, similar ao encontrado por outros autores (3,23) . Em diversas famílias, o idoso é responsável pelo sustento financeiro, e ao se aposentar a renda familiar sofre significativa redução, visto que maior parte dos idosos possui renda igual ou inferior a um salário mínimo e gasta aproximadamente um quarto da renda com medicamentos, sendo por vezes responsável também pela alimentação (24) .…”