[Prevalence of falls in institutionalized elderly in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
The increase of life expectancy in developing countries has been a source of concern about quality of life and well-being of elderly people, especially regarding falls. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of falls in institutionalized elderly and to describe factors associated.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study carried out in the city of Rio Grande (Southern Brazil). A total of 180 elderly (65 years old or more), living in institutions were included in the study. The elderly were interviewed and a pre-tested instrument with questions on falls was administered. In addition to a bivariate analysis (Wald), Poisson's regression analysis was conducted and prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) adjusted for confounders were estimated.


RESULTS
The prevalence of falls among institutionalized elderly was 38.3%. Falls were most frequently seen at the home premises (62.3%) and mostly in the bedroom (23%). In the adjusted analysis, falls remained associated to white color skin, separated and divorced elderly, depression, and higher continuous use of medications.


CONCLUSIONS
The study showed that the prevalence of falls among institutionalized elderly is high and that they can be disabling to this population. Although some of the associated factors are preventable, accidental falls still occur in settings that should be safe, such as the elderly's bedroom.
Gonçalves
Lílian Gatto
LG
Centro de Ciência da Vida e da Saúde, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
Vieira
Simone Theodosio
ST
Siqueira
Fernando Vinholes
FV
Hallal
Pedro Curi
PC
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors