Prevalence, the cause and the consequences of falls in elderly people in nursing homes [Prevalência, causas e conseqüências de quedas de idosos em instituições asilares]

Abstract

Fall is a not intentional dislocation of the body to an inferior level than the initial, which correction is not possible in correct time. It is considered a geriatric syndrome because of their multifactorial and heterogenic aspects, with superposition of many symptoms. Objective: to identify the prevalence of falls in elderly persons, associated risk factors, the cause of falls and resulting consequences. Method: transversal, descriptive study, performed with people 360 years, in two nursing homes in Taubaté - SP, who presented falls in the last 3 years. Results: 58 (47%) of 123 elderly persons presented fall. 81% were women and 19% men. The average age was 80 years. Anterior falls happened in 67% of cases. About the use of medicines, polypharmacy predominated (77%), and antihypertensives and psychotropics were the most used drugs. 83% had other comorbid diseases. Hypertension and arthrosis were the most prevalent. Only 9% used to practice physical activities. The most prevalent causes of falls were dizziness (28%), stairways (19%), trips (17%), wet floor (10%) and bad visual acuity (29%). The principal consequences of falls were fear of falling recurrence (52 %), wounds (40%), need of help in habitual activities (36%) and bone fractures (29%). Conclusions: there is a high prevalence of falls in elderly people in nursing homes. Previous episodes of falls, use of many drugs, comorbid diseases and absence of physical activity are risk factors to occurrence of falls. The most important causes are related to physical ambient. Injuries to physical and emotional health are consequences of falls, so there is a necessity of preventing them. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.