title: Individual and Neighborhood Factors Associated With Functional Mobility and Falls in Elderly Residents of São Paulo, Brazil: A Multilevel Analysis.
abstract: To identify socioeconomic and contextual factors associated with functional mobility and falls in elderly residents of São Paulo, Brazil.
  
  
  
  We used data from the Health, Well-Being, and Aging ( Saúde, Bem-estare Envelhecimento [SABE]) Study. The dependent variables were falling in the last year and functional mobility impairment. Individual (marital status, race, education, and perception of income sufficiency) and contextual (green area and violence) factors were analyzed by multilevel logistic models.
  
  
  
  Having 8 or more years of schooling was a protective factor for mobility impairment. Neighborhoods with moderate homicide rate were associated with higher odds of falling. Moderate green spaces were associated with higher odds of falling and lower odds to have mobility impairment for individuals 80 years and older.
  
  
  
  Our findings support the concern that neighborhood characteristics are associated with falls and mobility impairment. Strategies to prevent these outcomes should consider contextual aspects.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carla Ferreira do
authors.initials: CFD
authors.lastname: Nascimento
authors.affiliation: 1 University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Yeda Aparecida Oliveira
authors.initials: YAO
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.affiliation: 1 University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Lúcia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Lebrão
authors.affiliation: 1 University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandre Dias Porto
authors.initials: ADP
authors.lastname: Chiavegatto Filho
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D055361:Multilevel Analysis; D020380:Needs Assessment; D000076604:Physical Functional Performance; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000379:methods; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: contextual factors; falls; functional mobility; multilevel analysis; older adults