Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the incidence of falls among the elderly and to determine the predictive factors of falls and recurrent falls. This is a longitudinal study (2014-2016) conducted with 345 elderly in the urban area of Uberaba-MG. A structured tool related to socioeconomic data and occurrence of falls, Katz and Lawton-Brody Scales, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) Brazil were used. The multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed (p < 0.05). The incidence of falls in the follow-up period was 37.1%, with 20% recurrent falls and 17.1% single-event falls. The final model showed that the increase in one SPPB unit decreased by approximately 15% and 17%, respectively, the probability of falls and recurrent falls. The highest FES-I Brazil score was associated with a higher occurrence of recurrent falls. The results found on the occurrence of falls and recurrent falls and their association with worse physical performance and fear of falling provide subsidies for actions directed to the monitoring and control of the interfering factors.
Highlights
Population ageing is widespread in several regions of the world, including Brazil, which results from declining fertility and mortality over the years
The results indicated that the increase in one unit of Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) decreased by approximately 15% and 17%, respectively, the probability of falls and recurrent falls among the elderly
Regarding Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) Brazil, a higher score was associated with a higher occurrence of recurrent falls (Table 3)
Summary
Population ageing is widespread in several regions of the world, including Brazil, which results from declining fertility and mortality over the years. Change in the age structure of the Brazilian population entails a change in the epidemiological profile, with the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases[1]. The occurrence of chronic degenerative diseases tends to aggravate the structural and functional losses inherent to senescence, which may contribute to an increased risk of falls, an event of concern for this population[2]. In a survey of elderly people living in Omaha, Nebraska, the incidence of falls was 59% in women and 71% in men[4]. A systematic review study identified that the incidence of falls in Chinese elderly ranged from 14.7% to 34% per year[5]
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