scholarly journals Analysis of risk factors for falls among institutionalized elderly persons

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor Pena Prazido Rosa ◽  
Fátima Cristina Bordin Dutra Cappellari ◽  
Janete de Souza Urbanetto
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Brazilian Version ◽  
Katz Index ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Objectives: to identify the demographic and clinical profile, context of risk and the occurrence of falls among institutionalized elderly persons; analyze the association between the classification of risk of falling using the Brazilian version of the Morse Fall Scale and the occurrence of falls in such individuals. Method: A cohort study was performed in two long-stay institutions in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The sample consisted of 193 elderly persons. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-squared and Fisher tests) were used for analysis. Results: The occurrence of falls was associated with hearing impairment, hand grip strength, Katz Index score, degree of dependence according to Collegial Board Resolution 283/2005 and risk of falls according to the MFS-B. Conclusion: Falls have multifactorial causes, which makes it important to identify the agents that contribute to their occurrence, as it is known that institutionalization significantly increases the risk of falling. Multidisciplinary actions are important for reducing the risk of falls, together with the use of instruments that can predict such risk among institutionalized elderly people.

scholarly journals Assessment of Risk Factors for Falls among Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jacek Wilczyński ◽  
Magdalena Ścipniak ◽  
Kacper Ścipniak ◽  
Kamil Margiel ◽  
Igor Wilczyński ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Materials and Methods. The study comprised 53 participants (52.8% women and 47.2% men). The Hoehn and Yahr 5-point disability scale was used to assess the severity of Parkinson’s disease. The Tinetti Balance and Gait Scale were used to evaluate the risk of falls. The Katz scale was used to test the independence of people with PD. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International Short Form (FES-I) was implemented to assess fear of falling. Results. The majority of participants was at a high risk of falls, being at the same level for women and men. A significant relationship was noted between the risk of falls and subjective assessment of mobility ( χ 2 = 31.86 , p < 0.001 ), number of falls ( χ 2 = 37.92 , p < 0.001 ), independence of the subjects ( χ 2 = 19.28 , p < 0.001 ), type of injury suffered during the fall ( χ 2 = 36.93 , p < 0.001 ), external factors ( χ 2 = 33.36 , p < 0.001 ), and the level of fear of falling ( χ 2 = 8.88 , p < 0.001 ). A significant relationship also occurred between the number of falls and the fear of falling ( χ 2 = 33.49 , p < 0.001 ) and between the number of falls and disease severity ( χ 2 = 45.34 , p < 0.001 ). The applied physiotherapy did not reduce the risk of falls ( χ 2 = 3.18 , p = 0.17 ). Conclusions. Individuals who rated their mobility as good or excellent were at a low risk of falls. People who fell more times were at a high risk of falling. People more independent were at a low risk of falls. Previous injuries were the most associated with being at risk of falling. Uneven surfaces and obstacles on one’s path are the external factors most associated with the risk of falling. People with low levels of fall anxiety were at a low risk of falls. Most people with low fall anxiety have never fallen. Additionally, the majority of patients with stage 1 of the disease have not fallen at all. The reason for the ineffectiveness of physiotherapy may be due to the exercise programs used and the lack of systematic implementation of them. PD is different for each patient; thus, it is important to select individually customized physiotherapy depending on motor and nonmotor symptoms, as well as general health of a patient.

scholarly journals Identifying elderly persons who are at risk of falling and fall risk factors in the general population

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 396-402
Author(s):  
Suncica Ivanovic ◽  
Sanja Trgovcevic ◽  
Biljana Kocic ◽  
Snezana Todorovic-Tomasevic ◽  
Milica Jeremic-Knezevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
General Population ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health State ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Introduction/Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the elderly who are at increased risk of falling, as well as the risk factors for falls in the general population. Methods. This cross sectional study included a random sample of 400 people (164 men and 236 women) with the average age of 75.04 (65?94) years selected from the Register of the Primary Health Center in Nis, Serbia. Socio-demographic questionnaire, the Elderly Fall Screening Test, and the Multi-factor Falls Questionnaire were used. Odds ratio (OR) was evaluated and adjusted for gender, age, marital status, education level, and self-assessment of the health state. Results. The risk of falling and risk factors for falls were as follows: age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.129, confidence interval (CI) = 1.067?1.196], health self-assessed as good (OR = 0.365; CI = 0.142?0.938), limitation of activities (OR = 7.189; CI = 3.559?14.522), walking problems (OR = 2.153; CI = 1.046?4.428), osteoporosis (OR = 4.611; CI = 1.231?17.265), female gender (OR = 3.770, CI = 1.648?8.624), vision problems (OR = 2.719; CI = 1.588?108.581), cognitive problems (OR = 4.485; CI = 17.721), arthritis (OR = 6.524; CI = 2.077?20.496), and urination problems (OR = 2.511; CI = 1.083?5.820). Conclusion. Risk factors for falls were the following: age, self-assessment of health state, walking problems, osteoporosis, female gender, vision problems, arthritis, and urination problems.

scholarly journals Prevalence of falls and evaluation of mobility among institutionalized elderly persons

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 995-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidiane Maria de Brito Macedo Ferreira ◽  
◽  
Javier Jerez-Roig ◽  
Fabienne Louise Juvêncio Paes de Andrade ◽  
Nayara Priscila Dantas de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Low Prevalence

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of falls among institutionalized elderly persons and identify associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study of elderly residents of Care Facilities For the Elderly in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, was carried out. The elderly persons could walk independently and did not have severe cognitive impairment. Data was obtained about the institution and socio-demographic and health information was collected. A physical examination was performed to evaluate frailty, mobility and balance (Timed up and go, Berg Balance Scale, Gait speed and Sitting-rising Test - SRT). Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-squared Test for a 5% significance level. Results: Sixty-three elderly persons were within the search criteria. Of these 22.2% had fallen in the past year. Only the SRT was associated with these falls. Conclusion: It was concluded that the studied population has a low prevalence of falls, and the ability to perform less than 5 repetitions in the SRT was associated with episodes of falling.

scholarly journals Effect of physical exercise program on the balance and risk of falls of institutionalized elderly persons: a randomized clinical trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Tomicki ◽  
Sheila Cristina Cecagno Zanini ◽  
Luana Cecchin ◽  
Tania Rosane Bertoldo Benedetti ◽  
Marilene Rodrigues Portella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Body Balance ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise program on the postural balance and risk of falls of institutionalized elderly persons. A randomized controlled trial was performed. The study was conducted in two long-stay philanthropic care facilities for the elderly in a city in the north of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Participants were divided into control (G1) and intervention groups (G2). G1 did not receive any type of intervention whereas G2 participated in an exercise program three times a week for twelve weeks. The groups were evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). After the intervention, G2 achieved better scores in both BBS and in the TUGT, indicating a significant improvement in body balance and a reduction in the risk of falls compared to G1. The Spearman ordinal correlation revealed that there was a statistically significant association between BBS and TUGT (p<0.001). G1 did not present positive results compared to G2 both at baseline and in post intervention. It can be inferred that the proposed exercise program was effective in improving body balance and the performance of functional tasks, contributing to an improvement in the risk of falls as a result. REBEC: RBR-5XNYJS.

scholarly journals Risk factors for falls in patients with arterial hypertension

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 45-51
Author(s):  
Natalia O Khovasova ◽  
Anton V Naumov ◽  
Olga N Tkacheva ◽  
Victoriya I Moroz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Target Values ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Common Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Falls are a serious multi-factorial problem faced by the elderly persons which is associated with serious complications, loss of functional autonomy, disability and death. One of the common comorbidities among the elderly persons is arterial hypertension (AH) which increases the risk of falls. Aim. To study the risk factors for falls among patients with AH. Materials and methods. Examined 155 patients of geriatric department with the presence of at least one fall in the last year: 133 (85.8%) women (75,29±8.31 years) and 22 (14.2%) men (79,14±4.64 years). Risk of falls and risk factors of falls were assessed in patients with AH. Results. 148 (95.5%) patients had AH. The most common risk factors for hypertension in the elderly were atherosclerosis and decreased physical activity. Target organ lesions of varying severity were observed in all patients. In 25.7% of cases, BP figures outside the target values were noted. 18 (12.2%) patients received hypotensive therapy irregularly. On avera-ge, at admission, patients received of 2.06±0.63 anti-hypertensive drug. The frequency of falls in patients with hypertension made up 2.59±2.2, two or more falls happened in 91 persons (61.5%). According to the self-assessment risk of falls scale 131 (88.5%) patients had a high risk of falls. A high risk of falling in hospital (on the Morse scale) was identified in 63 (42.6%) patients. The most common risk factors for falls in patients with AH were previous falls in anamnesis, sensory de-ficit, imbalance, osteoarthritis. The CGA results demonstrate that patients with hypertension with blood pressure below the target values in comparison with the target and even high numbers of blood pressure have a higher prevalence of frailty, worse indicators of functional status, higher incidence and high risk of falls on the Morse scale. Conclusion. The most common risk factors for falls among patients with AH are previous falls in anamnesis, sensory deficit, imbalance, osteoarthritis. For patients with hypertension, low blood pressure is a predictor of high risk of falls and a worse prognosis. When blood pressure is below the target, there is a higher prevalence of frailty and worse indicators of functional status, which is a poor prognostic sign for the elderly.

Suicidal Ideation and Self-Determination in Institutionalized Elderly

Crisis ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrée Fortin ◽  
Sylvie Lapierre ◽  
Jacques Baillargeon ◽  
Réal Labelle ◽  
Micheline Dubé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Determination ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Rational Suicide ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Social Subscale ◽  
Civil Status ◽  
The Right ◽  
Taking Action

The right to self-determination is central to the current debate on rational suicide in old age. The goal of this exploratory study was to assess the presence of self-determination in suicidal institutionalized elderly persons. Eleven elderly persons with serious suicidal ideations were matched according to age, sex, and civil status with 11 nonsuicidal persons. The results indicated that suicidal persons did not differ from nonsuicidal persons in level of self-determination. There was, however, a significant difference between groups on the social subscale. Suicidal elderly persons did not seem to take others into account when making a decision or taking action. The results are discussed from a suicide-prevention perspective.

scholarly journals Assessment of muscle mass, risk of falls and fear of falling in elderly people with diabetic neuropathy

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 677-683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hudson Azevedo Pinheiro ◽  
Karla Helena Coelho Vilaça ◽  
Gustavo de Azevedo Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Neuropathy ◽  
Lean Body Mass ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
History Of

Abstract Objective : To assess muscle mass, risk of falls and fear of falling in elderly adults with diabetic neuropathy (DNP). Methods : 50 elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic neuropathy (NPD) participated in this study. Risk of falling was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Fear of falling was assessed by means of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Muscle mass was assessed by tetrapolar bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and Janssen's equation. Subjects were divided into two groups: one with a history of falls in the six months before study enrollment (G1) and the other without history of falls (G2). Results : There were statistically significant differences between G1 and G2 regarding lean body mass (p < 0.05), risk of falls as measured by the BBS (p < 0.01), and fear of falling as measured by the FES-I (p < 0.01). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the BBS and BIA (r = 0.45 and p < 0.01), showing that the greater the lean body mass, the lower the risk of falling. Conclusions : We found an association between lean mass, risk of falls and fear of falling in elderly adults with DNP and a history of falls from own height.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Frailty According to Gender of Older Adults Living Alone

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 475
Author(s):  
Hye-Young Jang ◽  
Ji-Hye Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Korean Elderly

This study was conducted to identify the factors associated with frailty according to gender of older adults living alone in Korea. Data from the National Survey of the Living Conditions of Korean Elderly in 2017 were used. Participants were 2340 older adults who live alone. Frailty was determined based on the frailty criteria developed by van Kan et al. that consist of fatigue, resistance, ambulation, and illness. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, t-test, Jonckheere–Terpstra test and multinomial logistic regression. Among the older men living alone, 47.7% were in the pre-frail and 5.1% were in the frail. On the other hand, 51.8% were in the pre-frail and 12.2% were in the frail among the older women living alone. The factors associated with frailty according to gender are as follows. In males, depressive symptoms, limitation in IADL, and number of medications in pre-frail; BMI, limitation in IADL, and number of chronic diseases in frail. In females, depressive symptoms, number of chronic diseases, age, and nutritional status in pre-frail; limitation in IADL, depressive symptoms, age, number of chronic diseases, number of medications, nutritional status in frail. Based on the findings of this study, it is considered necessary to approach frailty management considering gender as well as the classification of frailty.

scholarly journals Analysis of potential drug interactions and adverse reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among the elderly

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 533-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Aparecido Maschio de Lima ◽  
Adriana Antônia da Cruz Furini ◽  
Tábata Salum Calille Atique ◽  
Patricia Di Done ◽  
Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Drug Distribution ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Elderly Users

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze potential drug interactions and adverse reactions to NSAIDs in elderly users of a private drug distribution service. Method: A prospective, exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative approach was performed. The elderly users of NSAIDs attended by the service were interviewed and their prescriptions analyzed between May and September, 2014. Analysis of drug interactions was performed through computerized databases. The post-sales analysis of adverse reactions was performed using the Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. Statistical analysis was performed with the Chi-squared and Fisher's Exact tests. Results: The study evaluated 200 elderly persons, among whom women predominated (56.5%). The average age was 65 years ±10. The NSAIDs accounted for 38.7% of prescription drugs used, and included dipyrone (26.9%), nimesulide (22.8%) and ketoprofen (16.3%). A total of 8.5% of such drugs were considered inappropriate medications for the elderly. A total of 104 potential drug interactions were identified, of which 24% were considered highly clinically significant. The NSAIDs with the greatest risk of interactions were ketoprofen 46.2%, ketorolac 14.4%, nimesulide 12.5% and diclofenac 9.6%. In post-sales monitoring 30.5% of the elderly persons reported undesirable symptoms after the use of NSAIDs, with stomach discomfort the most prevalent (17%). Conclusion: The present study confirmed the importance of monitoring the use of NSAIDs among the elderly due to the increased risk of drug interactions and adverse reactions associated with age, concomitant diseases, multi- prescriptions and polypharmacy. The choice of appropriate drugs for the elderly, the reconciliation of all the medications taken by the patient, and effective pharmaceutical care are measures that can contribute to the rational and safe use of NSAIDs.

scholarly journals Halitosis and associated factors in institutionalized elderly persons

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 856-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Cecília Azevedo de Aguiar ◽  
Natália Cristina Garcia Pinheiro ◽  
Karolina Pires Marcelino ◽  
Kenio Costa de Lima
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Independent Variables

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of halitosis and associated factors in institutionalized elderly persons. Methods: a sectional study was performed with 268 elderly persons from 11 long-term care institutions in Natal in the northeast of Brazil. Data collection included an oral epidemiologic examination and questions about self-perception of oral health, as well as a consultation of medical records and the application of a questionnaire to the directors of the institutions. Halitosis was measured using the organoleptic test. The independent variables were oral, sociodemographic, institutional, general health and functional conditions. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Pearson chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, and the magnitude of effect was verified by the prevalence ratio for the independent variables in relation to the outcome, with a 95% confidence level. Results: the prevalence of halitosis was 26.1%, which was exhaled by the mouth in 98.57% of cases and by the nose in 10% of cases. Prevalence was 43% higher among non-white individuals (p=0.006); 65% higher among those living in non-profit institutions (p=0.039); 52% higher in elderly persons with oriented cognitive status (p=0.047); 41% higher in elderly persons with root caries (p=0.029); 62% higher in those who did not use dentures (p=0.046); 57% lower in edentulous persons (p<0.001); and 73% higher in elderly individuals with tongue biofilm (p=0.001). Conclusion: The occurrence of halitosis in institutionalized elderly persons was similar to other studies, but there was an expressive number of extrabuccal cases and an association with oral health problems, as well as sociodemographic, institutional and functional factors.

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