Citation

Carvalho MP, Luckow EL, Siqueira FV. Cien. Saude Colet. 2011; 16(6): 2945-2952.

Vernacular Title

Quedas e fatores associados em idosos institucionalizados no municipio de Pelotas

Affiliation

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, 96201-900.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21709991

Abstract

The ageing of the population generates interest among health professionals, because of its importance for health. A cross-sectional study was carried out including institutionalized subjects aged over 65 from Pelotas (RS, Brazil). The aim was to investigate the prevalence of falls and associated factors. The prevalence of falls was 33.5%; the most frequent place in which falls occurred was the bedroom (37%). Of all falls, 16.9% resulted in a fracture. Approximately 70% of the falls took place at the institution in which the subjects live. Ankles and hips were the most frequently anatomic sites fractured (33,3%). The prevalence of falls among the elderly was high and the consequences of such falls are worrying. Prevention strategies by healthcare professionals and managers are urgently needed in order to minimize the burden of falls and thus enhance the quality of life of institutionalized elderly people.

Language: pt