Abstract

GUIMARAES, Joanna Miguez Nery  and  FARINATTI, Paulo de Tarso Veras. Descriptive analysis of variables theoretically associated to the risk of falls in elder women. Rev Bras Med Esporte [online]. 2005, vol.11, n.5, pp. 299-305. ISSN 1517-8692.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1517-86922005000500011.

Falls are a public health problem among elderly persons having in mind the mortality and morbidity rates, and the social and economical costs they cause. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of the historic of falls reported in a group of individuals with more than 65 years old participating in a physical activity program, with variables defined by the literature as being associated to the risk of these kind of event: lack of sight, use of drugs, related diseases, poor strength and balance. After an interview with an initial group composed by 72 individuals, it was selected a sample of 30 persons whose reports indicated major frequency of falls in the previous twelve months, with ages after 65 years old. The exposition variables were tested in this subgroup, and the results were compared with the frequency of falls by means of a descriptive statistics (absolute and relative values) using contingency charts for each variable. Results indicated that the deterioration of sight, the simultaneous use of drugs (especially diuretics and psycho-actives) and reduced flexibility (hips and ankles) seem to be associated with the frequency of falls in the period observed. Such factors should be considered in programs designed to prevent falls in the elderly.

Keywords : Aging; Epidemiology; Physical skills; Autonomy; Promotion of health.