[Prevalence of falls in older adults enrolled in a Health Center of Belo Horizonte-MG].

Abstract

Fall is used as an indicator of quality in healthcare institutions specialized in elderly care and is also considered an important indicator of quality of life of seniors in all environments. This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 108 elderlies enrolled at a Health Center, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, in order to determine the occurrence of falls in elderly people and also look for its association with some variables. Data were collected from clinical records and interviews during home healthcare visits using a structured and specific instrument. It was found that 64 (59.3%) of the elderly patients have already suffered falls, and a significant statistical relationship (p=0.01) between the elderly cognitive ability and the occurrence of the falls. It is recommended that nursing care focuses in the early identification of the elderlies that are more likely to suffer falls, especially those who, in addition to the risk of falling are at increased risk of suffering serious injury originated from the falls.