Author:

• Maitê Peres de Carvalho - Carvalho M.P - Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul - Universidade Católica de Pelotas - <maite_carvalho@yahoo.com.br>

Thematic Area:

Não Categorizado

Abstract:

The aging of the population generates interest of health professionals, because of its importance for health. A cross-sectional study was carried out including institutionalized subjects aged 65 years or more from Pelotas, Brazil. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of falls and associated factors. The prevalence of falls was 33.5%; the most frequent place in which falls occurred was the bedroom (37%). Of all falls, 16.9% resulted in a fracture. Approximately 80% of the falls took place at the institution in which the subjects live. Ankle and hip were the most frequently anatomic sites fractured. The prevalence of falls among the elderly was high and the consequences of them are worrying. Prevention strategies are urgently needed, in order to minimize the burden of falls and thus improve health-related quality of life.


Keywords: institutionalized elderly; falls; fractures.

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