Author:

• Iride Cristofoli Caberlon - Caberlon, Iride Cristofoli - ULBRA, Enfermagem - <iridec27@gmail.com> +

Co-author(s):

• José Gonçalves Ângelo Bós - Bós, Ângelo José Gonçalves - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) - <angelo.bos@pucrs.br>

Thematic Area:

Saúde do Idoso

Abstract:

Falls and fractures in the elderly represent a significant public health problem, associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality, reduction of functional capacity, institutionalization of elderly and early death. To investigate falls and fractures in the older adult residing in the metropolitan and mountains region of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), analyzing factors associated, seasonality and severity thereof. The study has a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive, analytical and quantitative design using secondary data, in Public Health Urgent and Emergency Care Services older adult patients admitted by fall from January 1st to December 31st of 2010. Data were collected from health care bulletins archived at each medical records department. The total number of bulletins from older adult patients admitted for falling was 6556, 71% were women, 26.8% of visits occurred in winter, 30% of them fractured, 32% in women (p<0.0001) In 17.2% records the fall site was recorded, and 58% outside . Winter was the season with 34% of confirmed fractures (p=0.0002) and had more severe outcomes (26.3%). Most falls and their consequences can be prevented and avoided. It is urgent to implement programs and actions multifactorial intervention.

Keywords:

Falls Bones Fractures Associated risk factors Seasonality Falls severity Health of the older adult

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