Valuation of fall risk factors by elderly

Abstract

Background: Falls are the most reported adverse event in nursing homes. Reduction in fall prevalence, risk factor control and implementation of preventive measures are emergent and it is a public health challenge, because falls are the fifth cause of death in elderly. To assess the elderly opinion about frequency of each factor contributes to fall. To relate the elderly opinion regarding the frequency that each factor contributes to fall with age, gender, to have fallen before institutionalization, duration of institutionalization and, to have information regarding risk factors. Methods: This is a correlational study. The created scale was subject to appreciation of experts and to pre-test. Posteriorly, it was validated and the study was conducted with a sample of 156 elderly from six nursing homes. In addition, a structured interview constituted by sociodemographic data and the scale for Valuation of fall risk factors by elderly (built and validated in this study) was conducted. During the conduction of this study, we met all principles from the Helsinki declaration. Results: The instrument presents good psychometric characteristics. Elderly value changes in balance, chronic diseases, and changes in blood pressure as major risks to fall. Those who had information, value changes in conscience state (p=0.037) and difficulties to walk (p=0.026). Conclusions: Appreciation, or not, of risk factors by elderly can influence fall prevalence and adherence to prevention programs