Citation

Almeida ST, Soldera CL, Carli GA, Gomes I, Resende TD. Rev. Assoc. Med. Bras. (1992) 2012; 58(4): 427-433.

Vernacular Title

Análise de fatores extrínsecos e intrínsecos que predispõem a quedas em idosos.

Affiliation

Secretaria Municipal de Educação, POA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Brazilian Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22930020

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In a sample of elderly individuals from Porto Alegre - RS, Brazil, to analyze the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that predispose them to the risk of falls and fractures. METHODS: The study included a random sample of 267 elderly individuals, to whom two balance tests were applied: the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). The elderly also answered a questionnaire (13 questions divided into four categories) on sociodemographic and health factors. RESULTS: Elderly individuals from both genders (76.8% women), aged between 60 and 90 years (mean = 70.22 years, SD = ± 7.30 years) participated in the study. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between age, self-perception of eyesight, type of dwelling, last monthly income, and the FRT; the same was found between age range, self-rated health (p < 0.001) and the TUG. CONCLUSION: It was identified that, in the sample of elderly individuals living in Porto Alegre - RS, Brazil, the intrinsic factors that predispose to the risk of falls and fractures are older age, poor self-perception of eyesight, and poor selfrated health; the extrinsic factors are type of dwelling (living in a house) and a monthly income < one minimum wage.

Language: pt