Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors associated with falls in community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with cataracts. An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of community-dwelling older adults residing in the Federal District of Brazil. Interviews and assessment tools were administered, such as the Timed Up and Go test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Biodex Balance System, Katz Index, Lawton Scale, Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire and Mini Mental State Examination. Statistical analysis involved binary logistic regression. One hundred forty-two older adults (85 with cataracts) participated in the study (mean age: 69.39 ± 5.67 years). Falls were associated with the female sex (OR: 4.45) and sub-maximum score on the SPPB (OR: 3.53) among patients with cataracts, whereas multimorbidity (OR: 5.10) was the risk factor risk for older adults without cataracts. The data suggest different risk factors for falls among older adults diagnosed with cataracts.
Highlights
Cataract is the most common cause of blindness and one of the most prevalent degenerative diseases among older adults[1]
The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors associated with falls in community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with cataracts
Falls were associated with the female sex (OR: 4.45) and sub-maximum score on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (OR: 3.53) among patients with cataracts, whereas multimorbidity (OR: 5.10) was the risk factor risk for older adults without cataracts
Summary
Cataract is the most common cause of blindness and one of the most prevalent degenerative diseases among older adults[1]. It is estimated that among the 20 million people affected by severe visual impairment throughout the world, one third of the cases is the result of cataract[2]. According to data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey, cataract affects 28.7% of the older population in the country[3]. Older adults with cataracts have blurred vision, which results in a reduction in visual acuity as well as reduced sensitivity to contrast and the perception of colors[1]. Studies report an association between visual impairment and falls in older adults[8,9]
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