OCORRÊNCIA DE QUEDAS EM IDOSOS RESIDENTES EM INSTITUIÇÕES DE LONGA PERMANÊNCIA EM PELOTAS, RS

Abstract

This study aimed at describing the occurrence of falls and related factors by the elderly living in long-term care institutions for elderly people (LCIE) in Pelotas, RS. A structured questionnaire with questions on demographic characteristics, morbidity, use of psychotropics, and occurrence of falls was used. In December 2006 all the 21 (LCIE) registered in the city. Of these, 19 agreed to take part in the study. A total of 377 elderly people were identified, but 96 were not able to answer the questionnaire and 38 refused to do it. Most of the 243 elderly included in the study were women (72.8%) and were, one average, 77.7 (dp=8.9) years old. About one third of the elderly (32.5%) had at least one fall in the previous year. The occurrence of falls was two times higher by women, by the elderly with rheumatism or spinal cord disease, and in those making use of psychotropics. It is intended that the information obtained make it possible further discussions on the health of the elderly people living in long-term care institutions