[Falls by elderly people living in long-term care institutions in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Ocorrência de quedas em idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

This study focuses on the occurrence of falls and related factors among elderly individuals living in long-term care institutions in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, morbidity, use of psychoactive drugs, and occurrence of falls was used. In December 2006, all 21 long-term care institutions for the elderly registered in the city were contacted, and 19 agreed to participate. A total of 377 elderly were identified, but 96 were unable to answer the questionnaire and 38 refused to answer. Most of the 243 elderly in the sample were women (72.8%), and mean age was 77.7 years (SD = 8.9). Nearly one-third of the sample (32.5%) had suffered at least one fall in the previous year. Falls were twice as frequent in women, individuals with rheumatism or back problems, and those on psychoactive medication. The aim is for the findings to encourage further discussion on the health of elderly residents in long-term care institutions.

Ocorrência de quedas em idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Falls by elderly people living in long-term care institutions in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a ocorrência de quedas e fatores associados em idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foi utilizado um questionário estruturado com perguntas sobre características demográficas, morbidade, uso de psicotrópicos e ocorrência de quedas. Em dezembro de 2006, foram visitadas todas as 21 instituições de longa permanência para idosos registradas na cidade. Dentre elas, 19 consentiram em participar do estudo. Foram identificados 377 idosos, mas 96 não tinham condições de responder o questionário e 38 foram recusas. Dos 243 idosos incluídos no estudo, a maioria era mulheres (72,8 por cento) e tinha, em média, 77,7 (DP = 8,9) anos. Cerca de um terço dos idosos (32,5 por cento) sofreu pelo menos uma queda no último ano. A ocorrência de quedas foi duas vezes maior nas mulheres, nos idosos com reumatismo ou doença da coluna e naqueles que utilizavam medicação psicotrópica. Pretende-se que as informações obtidas possibilitem discussões sobre a saúde dos idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência.

This study focuses on the occurrence of falls and related factors among elderly individuals living in long-term care institutions in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, morbidity, use of psychoactive drugs, and occurrence of falls was used. In December 2006, all 21 long-term care institutions for the elderly registered in the city were contacted, and 19 agreed to participate. A total of 377 elderly were identified, but 96 were unable to answer the questionnaire and 38 refused to answer. Most of the 243 elderly in the sample were women (72.8 percent), and mean age was 77.7 years (SD = 8.9). Nearly one-third of the sample (32.5 percent) had suffered at least one fall in the previous year. Falls were twice as frequent in women, individuals with rheumatism or back problems, and those on psychoactive medication. The aim is for the findings to encourage further discussion on the health of elderly residents in long-term care institutions.