Queda e identificação de fatores de risco em idosos : estudo caso-controle em face de acidente vascular encefálico

Abstract

The falls occurrence represents a serious health problem for aged. Therefore the factors involved must be continuous assess in order to improve the aged life quality. The aim was to investigate the falls occurrence in the last six months at elderly with and without stroke and to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors involved. A case-control study carried at three Beneficent Associations of Rehabilitation from Ceará and a Reference Center of Social Worker in Fortaleza city from January to April 2010. A case group and three control groups were established with 15 elderly paired off by sex, age, falls occurrence in the last six months and stroke occurrence. It was used a form organized in four parts with the objective to characterize the patient, actual intrinsic and extrinsic conditions, falls occurrence and environment factors involved. The data were gathered with the Research Ethical Committee approval and when the elderly were enlightened at the collected data unit about the aim of the research, and the patient signing of authorization term. The data obtained was analyzed by Predictive Analysis Software 18.0. The groups were mainly composed by women, retired people, persons with partners, low school grade and low financial income. The elderly with stroke presented an average of 1,4 occurrence in an average period of 5,6 years and the main consequence was hemiparesis. As far as statistical associated variables concern, the followings were here highlighted: Use of antihypertensive among the groups with falls despite the occurrence of a stroke; Use of ACE inhibitor at aged with stroke whom were fallers or not; Foot alterations between the case group and people without falls neither stroke. Besides the variables Decreased strength at lower members, excess of home furniture, Gait difficulty and Impaired physical mobility was found in all association among the fallers participants with stroke and those without stroke neither falls. Gait difficulty and Impaired physical mobility were statistically associated between the case group and people without stroke and fall occurrence. The Barthel index, daily instrumental life activities, Geriatric scale and Tinetti scale, besides right hand grip strength, also found statistical association between the case group and aged without stroke fallers or not. The falls occurred mostly in the morning, in bright environment without handrail or objects, in rough and dry floor, use of rubber slippers. It was not verified to be the stroke an event associated to falls, a fact that strengthens the multifarious cause relation. The variables involved with fall event were strongly related to intrinsic factors involved with the balance issue. The extrinsic factors, however, could be easily modified. Therefore health professionals should routinely assess all fall variables involved in order to improve the life quality of elderly people.