Abstract
ObjectivesThis study has aimed to describe the prevalence of falls, presence of illnesses, drugs consumption, and quality of life and their association with falls among community-dwelling elderly people (ages 65 to 75). Material and methodsA cross-sectional, observational study was performed. We randomly selected 198 of 1214 community-dwelling people aged 65 to 75. Sociological data, illnesses, falls and health-related quality of life (HRQL) data were recorded with the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) protocol, use of multiple medication (medications>4), psychoactive medication and anticonvulsants. A bivariate analysis was made to assess the effect of the independent variables over tendency to fall. ResultsPrevalence of falls was 16.67%. Serious illnesses of the nervous system (OR=63.10), acute infections or inflammation (OR=3.72), severe limitation of mobility (OR=2.91) and having EQ-5D limitations were related to falls. Percentage of subjects with EQ-5D limitations was: mobility 34.1% (women: 42.4%, men 25.8%), self-care 14.4% (women: 19.8%; men 8.9%), usual activities 29.65% (women: 44.7%, men 14.1%), pain/discomfort 69.1% (women: 81.7%, men 56.9%) and anxiety/depression 35.1% (women: 50.0%, men 19.8%). EQ-5D's Visual Analogue Scale average score was 68.5±20.8 (women: 61.8±23.0, men 75.0±16.1.). ConclusionsThe prevalence of falls was 16.67%. We found a high percentage of polymedication, mobility problems, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression and poor self-perceived HRQL among elderly people. Women declared more problems than men on all of the EQ-5D dimensions. We therefore recommend including programs aimed at improving mobility, and HRQL and that prevent risk of falls, with special attention on women.
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