Prevalence and characterization of home and leisure accidents of Community-dwelling older people: An observational cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Population aging contributes to an increase in home accidents, with serious personal, family, and social consequences. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of home accidents in older people using func-tional units of a Health Center. Methodology: Cross-sectional, observational study with a non-probability convenience sample of 139 older people. Results: Falls at home are the most prevalent home accident in the past 12 months, as a consequence of slipping. Some low but statistically significant associations were observed between the number of falls, risk of falling, and fear of falling, and between age, risk of falling, and fear of falling. Conclusion: The results indicate that nurses, integrated into interdisciplinary teams, should take appropriate measures. Further longitudinal studies will allow monitoring the measures adopted and the necessary adaptations to prevent and reduce the risk of falling and improve the quality of life of the aging population.