Citation

Baccaro LF, Machado VD, Costa-Paiva L, Sousa MH, Osis MJ, Pinto-Neto AM. Maturitas 2013; 75(4): 367-372.

Affiliation

Department of Gynecology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. Electronic address: luiz.baccaro@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.04.020

PMID

23707106

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Brazil has an aging population. This study aims to raise awareness of the prevalence and factors associated with falls among Brazilian women. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with 622 women over 50 years of age was conducted between 05/10/11 and 10/31/11 in the city of Campinas/São Paulo/Brazil in the form of a population survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The dependent variable was the occurrence of falls in the past 12 months. The independent variables were sociodemographic data, health-related habits and problems, self-perception of health and evaluation of functional capacity. Statistical analysis was carried out by Chi-square test and Poisson regression using the backward selection criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 64.1 years. The prevalence of falls in the past 12 months was 24.6%. Having trouble keeping balance when walking: PR 1.87 (95% CI 1.33-2.63, P<0.001); alcohol consumption: PR 1.69 (95% CI 1.25-2.28, P<0.002); having been admitted to a hospital in the last 12 months: PR 1.46 (95% CI 1.09-1.96, P=0.012); and having cataract: PR 1.40 (95% CI 1.05-1.87, P=0.021) were associated with a higher prevalence of falls. Having health insurance: PR 0.67 (95% CI 0.50-0.89, P=0.007) and using some form of medication to treat menopausal symptoms: PR 0.42 (95% CI 0.19-0.92, P=0.031) were associated with a lower prevalence of falls. CONCLUSION: Having health insurance and using some form of medication to treat menopausal symptoms were associated with a lower prevalence of falls among Brazilian women.

Language: en