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Incidence and predicting factors of falls of older inpatients

Hellen Cristina de Almeida Abreu et al. Rev Saude Publica. 2015.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incidence and predicting factors associated with falls among older inpatients. METHODS Prospective cohort study conducted in clinical units of three hospitals in Cuiaba, MT, Midwestern Brazil, from March to August 2013. In this study, 221 inpatients aged 60 or over were followed until hospital discharge, death, or fall. The method of incidence density was used to calculate incidence rates. Bivariate analysis was performed by Chi-square test, and multiple analysis was performed by Cox regression. RESULTS The incidence of falls was 12.6 per 1,000 patients/day. Predicting factors for falls during hospitalization were: low educational level (RR = 2.48; 95%CI 1.17;5.25), polypharmacy (RR = 4.42; 95%CI 1.77;11.05), visual impairment (RR = 2.06; 95%CI 1.01;4.23), gait and balance impairment (RR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.22;7.14), urinary incontinence (RR = 5.67; 95%CI 2.58;12.44) and use of laxatives (RR = 4.21; 95%CI 1.15;15.39) and antipsychotics (RR = 4.10; 95%CI 1.38;12.13). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of falls of older inpatients is high. Predicting factors found for falls were low education level, polypharmacy, visual impairment, gait and balance impairment, urinary incontinence and use of laxatives and antipsychotics. Measures to prevent falls in hospitals are needed to reduce the incidence of this event.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a incidência e fatores preditores de quedas de idosos hospitalizados.

MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado em unidades de clínica médica de três hospitais de Cuiabá, MT, no período de março a agosto de 2013. Foram acompanhadas 221 pessoas com 60 anos ou mais internadas até a alta, óbito ou queda. Para o cálculo das taxas de incidência utilizou-se o método de densidade de incidência. Realizou-se análise bivariada pelo teste do Qui-quadrado e múltipla por meio de regressão Cox.

RESULTADOS: A incidência de quedas foi 12,6 por mil pacientes/dia. Os fatores preditores para quedas durante a internação foram baixa escolaridade (RR = 2,48; IC95% 1,17;5,25), polifarmácia (RR = 4,42; IC95% 1,77;11,05), presença de disfunção visual (RR = 2,06; IC95% 1,01;4,23) e de marcha e equilíbrio (RR = 2,95; IC95% 1,22;7,14), incontinência urinária (RR = 5,67; IC95% 2,58;12,44) e uso de laxativos (RR = 4,21; IC95% 1,15;15,39) e antipsicóticos (RR = 4,10; IC95% 1,38;12,13).

CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de quedas dos idosos hospitalizados é alta. Os fatores preditores encontrados foram baixa escolaridade, polimedicação, presença de disfunção visual, de marcha e equilíbrio, incontinência urinária e uso de laxativos e antipsicóticos. São necessárias medidas de prevenção de quedas nos hospitais a fim de reduzir a incidência desse evento.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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