Prevalence of falls in elderly people: a population based study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of falls is related to a complex interaction of risk factors, aggravated by aging. This research aimed to investigate the occurrence of falls in the elderly, as well as to identify the risk factors for this event. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in a municipality in the extreme south of Brasil. Probabilistic sampling was used, the sample unit being the census tracts. Data were collected through home interviews. The research was approved by the research ethics committee. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This study was performed using a sample of 211 elderly individuals. The prevalence of falls was 28.9% (95% CI 22.8 to 35.0). (P = 0.01), living alone (p = 0.04), self-perception of regular or poor health (p = 0.03), and obesity (p= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found that approximately one in three elderly individuals fell in the last year.