Efecto de una intervención multidimensional en personas mayores autovalentes para el manejo del riesgo de caídas

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a multidimensional intervention on the perception and management of risk factors and frequency of falls in independent elderly people living in the community. DesignRandomised clinical trial. SettingFamily health centre, primary care. ParticipantsIndependent elderly people living in the community. InterventionFor intervention group (IG) a multidimensional intervention, consisting of home visits and telephone follow-up was carried out for 5 months (n=77), and those assigned to the control group (CG, n=77) received usual care in the family health centre. Main measurementsPerception of risk of falls, number of risk factors and number of falls in the study period. ResultsIn both groups there were increases in the perception of risk factors for falling associated with walking (IG: P<.001 and CG: P<.001). Belonging to the IG was significantly associated with a decrease in the risk factors associated with surfaces (r=0.25) and shoes (r=0.24), as well as an increase in the perception of risk of falls associated with walking (r=0.21) and the presence of objects or furniture (r=0.36). In the IG, 5 participants (7.9%) suffered at least one fall in the 5-month period and 18 (27.7%) patients in the CG (P=.004). ConclusionsThe multidimensional intervention was effective in reducing the frequency of falls and in the management of extrinsic risk factors associated with surfaces, lighting, and support devices.