Validation of the Fall Risk Tracking Tool (FRRISque) in elderly community dwellers.

Lucélia Terra Chini,Daniele Sirineu Pereira,Altacílio Aparecido Nunes

doi:10.1590/1413-81232018248.28962017

Lucélia Terra Chini, Daniele Sirineu Pereira + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018248.28962017

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Abstract

This study aimed to validate of Fall Risk Tracking Tool (FRRISque) in elderly community dwellers. A cross-sectional evaluative screening study was carried out on a sample of 854 elderly. In addition to the pilot version of FRRISque, the QuickScreen® tool was applied as a standard reference in order to validate a concurrent criterion, determining sensitivity and specificity values. Most of the elderly people were female (57.6%) with an average age of 71.87 years. The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that only 10 FRRISque items contribute to increased elderly fall risk and they refer to the risk factors of previous falls, use of a walking aid device, polypharmacy, use of psychotropic substances, difficulty to ascend and descend a slope, difficulty to walk for a distance of 100 meters, visual and hearing impairment, low physical activity and poorly lit environment. This risk stratification model assumes sensitivity values of 91.3% and specificity values of 73.4%. The FRRISque is defined as a valid, simple, low-cost and of easy and rapid application tool that can be used by all primary health care professionals, including community health workers.

Highlights

Falls are a geriatric syndrome and can have serious consequences, compromising the health and quality of life of the elderly
The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that only 10 FRRISque items contribute to increased elderly fall risk and they refer to the risk factors of previous falls, use of a walking aid device, polypharmacy, use of psychotropic substances, difficulty to ascend and descend a slope, difficulty to walk for a distance of 100 meters, visual and hearing impairment, low physical activity and poorly lit environment
In view of the above, this study evaluates the validity of concurrent criteria of the Fall Risk Tracking Tool (FRRISque) in elderly people living in the community

Summary

Introduction

Falls are a geriatric syndrome and can have serious consequences, compromising the health and quality of life of the elderly. It is a problem in practice in general, due to its high prevalence[1]. In Brazil, the prevalence of falls is 27.6% in elderly living in the community[2]. Fall is defined as “an unexpected event in which individuals drop to the ground or to a lower level”[3]. Falling involves intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors[4]. In a more detailed way, intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be classified into four realms: biological, socioeconomic, behavioral and environmental[5]

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