OBJECTIVE:
To identify the main factors associated to falls and hip fractures in the elderly.
METHODS:
This is a case-control study (a group of cases and two control groups) in a 1: 1: 1 proportion, studying 135 individuals aged ≥60 years, matched by sex, from 2005 to 2012. Data were collected through interviews at the homes of participants, and information was gathered from medical records. To analyze the differences between proportions and means between groups, they employed the chi-square and Student's t test, respectively. To study the association between variables, were performed univariate and multivariate analyzes using logistic regression. As effect measure, were employed odds ratio (OR) and its confidence interval at 95% (95%). In all analyzes, we considered a 5% significance level.
RESULTS:
After multivariate analysis, hip fracture protection factors were: listen well and have handrails on the stairs of their homes. Risk factors for hip fracture were: hypertension, sedentary lifestyle and have slippery surface in the residence. Protective factors for fall were: have handrails on the stairs of their homes, have osteoporosis and depression. Risk factor for falls was physical inactivity.
CONCLUSION:
Hip fractures are an important cause of morbidity in the elderly. Knowing the risk factors for post-fall fractures in the elderly is essential for planning individual and collective actions aimed at prevention of this disease and its consequences. Physical activities, more effective treatment plans and inadequacies correction in households of those individuals should be counseled and encouraged.
Femoral Fractures; Hip Fractures; Elderly; Case-Control Studies; Brazil