Accidental falls in the elderly and their relation with functional capacity

AIM: This study aimed to determinate the prevalence of falls in the elderly and its relationship with the functional capacity. METHOD: This is an epidemiological and cross-sectional study; a two-stage cluster sample of 240 male and female subjects aged over 60 years was used. Data were collected from November 2010 to February 2011. The following questionnaires were used: socio-demographic profile, assessment of falls, Functional Independence Measure, Lawton and Brody Scale. Significance was set at 0.05. To identify the occurrence of falls and their relation with functional capacity, the prevalence ratio and prevalence odds ratios were used, as well as multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Average age was 73.5 years (±8.4); 25% 80 years or more, with preponderance of female gender; 48.8% attended school between 1-4 years. The average was 1.33 falls (±0.472), with prevalence in women and elderly between 60 and 79 years old; the most frequently sites were the backyard and bathroom. Strong correlation between the level of functional independence and instrumental activities and age was found, but no relation between elderly victims of falls and the gender and age variables. CONCLUSION: Women who suffered falls related to functional independence were predominant, which can be prevented through elderly health promotion strategies, a policy that serves to offer living conditions to people in the aging process.

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Prevalência, desempenho cognitivo e funcionalidade de idosos com Doença de Alzheimer em instituições de longa permanência de Bento Gonçalves

PAJAR - Pan-American Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.15448/2357-9641.2017.1.26051 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 23 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Daniela Fernandes Tonholi ◽

Gisele Oltramari

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Junior High School ◽

Functional Independence Measure ◽

The Elderly ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Functional Evaluation ◽

Cross Sectional

Aims: To determine the prevalence, cognitive performance and functionality of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease in long-stay institutions for the elderlyin the city of Bento Gonçalves. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 24 elderly residents in long-stay institutions for the elderly, sociodemographic datawere obtained, and the elderly were subjected to functional evaluation by the Functional Independence Measure and evaluation of cognitive performancethrough the mental state the Mini (MMSE). Results: Most of the residents were female (83%), as 54.2% schooling had completed junior high school, mostof the elderly (70.8%) was admitted by the will of the family, 100% of the elderly showed cognitive performance bad, and the smaller the more dependentcognitive performance was the individual. Conclusion: institutionalized elderly with Alzheimer's disease had negative results on cognitive performance,as well as deficits in their ability to perform activities of daily living, thus altering their functionality.Keywords: aging; functionality; cognition; Alzheimer Disease; long-stay institutions.

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Falls among the elderly: risk factors in a population-based study

Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia ◽

10.1590/1809-4503201400030011 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 705-718 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Iara Guimarães Rodrigues ◽

Gustavo Pereira Fraga ◽

Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros

Keyword(s):

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Elderly Adults ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Policies And Programs

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with the occurrence of falls among elderly adults in a population-based study (ISACamp 2008). Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with two-stage cluster sampling. The sample was composed of 1,520 elderly adults living in the urban area of the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. The occurrence of falls was analyzed based on reports of the main accident occurred in the previous 12 months. Data on socioeconomic/demographic factors and adverse health conditions were tested for possible associations with the outcome. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated and adjusted for gender and age using the Poisson multiple regression analysis. Results: Falls were more frequent, after adjustment for gender and age, among female elderly participants (PR = 2.39; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.47 - 3.87), elderly adults (80 years old and older) (PR = 2.50; 95%CI 1.61 - 3.88), widowed (PR = 1.74; 95%CI 1.04 - 2.89) and among elderly adults who had rheumatism/arthritis/arthrosis (PR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.00 - 2.48), osteoporosis (PR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.18 - 2.49), asthma/bronchitis/emphysema (PR = 1,73; 95%CI 1.09 - 2.74), headache (PR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.07 - 2.38), mental common disorder (PR = 1.72; 95%CI 1.12 - 2.64), dizziness (PR = 2.82; 95%CI 1.98 - 4.02), insomnia (PR = 1.75; 95%CI 1.16 - 2.65), use of multiple medications (five or more) (PR = 2.50; 95%CI 1.12 - 5.56) and use of cane/walker (PR = 2.16; 95%CI 1.19 - 3,93). Conclusion: The present study shows segments of the elderly population who are more prone to falls through the identification of factors associated with this outcome. The findings can contribute to the planning of public health policies and programs addressed to the prevention of falls.

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Prevalence of health services usage and associated factors in the Amazon region of Brazil: a population-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017966 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. e017966 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Maria Elizete A Araujo ◽

Marcus T Silva ◽

Tais F Galvao ◽

Mauricio G Pereira

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physician Visits

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of healthcare use and associated factors in the Manaus metropolitan region and to describe the reasons for lack of access.DesignCross-sectional population-based study.SettingA survey conducted between May and August of 2015 in eight cities from Manaus metropolitan region, Amazonas, Brazil.Participants4001 adults ≥18 years of age.Primary outcomes measuresPhysician visits, dentist visits and hospitalisations in the last 12 months were the primary outcomes. Associated factors were investigated through the calculation of prevalence ratio (PR) obtained by hierarchical Poisson regression modelling.Results4001 adults were included in the study, 53% of whom were women. The self-reported prevalence of medical visits was 77% (95% CI 75% to 77%); dentist visits, 36% (95% CI 34% to 37%) and hospital admission, 7% (95% CI 6% to 7%). Physician visits were higher in women PR=1.18 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.23), the elderly PR=1.18 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.26) and people with health insurance PR=1.14 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.19). Dentist visits declined with older age PR=0.38 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.49), lower education level PR=0.62 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.74) and lower economic class PR=0.65 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.75). Hospitalisations were found to be twice as frequent for women than for men and three times as frequent among those who reported very poor health status. Among the individuals who did not receive medical attention in the previous 2 weeks, 58% reported lack of facilities or appointment unavailable and 14% reported lack of doctors.ConclusionWhile more than half visited the doctor in the last year, a lower proportion of people with socioeconomic inequities visited the dentist. Organisational and service policies are needed to increase equity in health services in the region.

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Family functioning of elderly with depressive symptoms

Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP ◽

10.1590/s0080-623420140000300012 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 469-476 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Rosely Almeida Souza ◽

Gislaine Desani da Costa ◽

Cintia Hitomi Yamashita ◽

Fernanda Amendola ◽

Jaqueline Correa Gaspar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Family Functioning ◽

Family Health ◽

Female Gender ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dysfunctional Family ◽

The Family

Objective: To classify families of elderly with depressive symptoms regarding their functioning and to ascertain the presence of an association between these symptoms, family functioning and the characteristics of the elderly. Method: This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study performed with 33 teams of the Family Health Strategy in Dourados, MS. The sample consisted of 374 elderly divided into two groups (with and without depressive symptoms). The instruments for data collection were a sociodemographic instrument, the GeriatricDepression Scale (15 items) and the Family Apgar. Results: An association was observed between depressive symptoms and family dysfunction, female gender, four or more people living together, and physical inactivity. Conclusion: The functional family may represent effective support for the elderly with depressive symptoms, because it offers a comfortable environment that ensures the well-being of its members. The dysfunctional family can barely provide necessary care for the elderly, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms. 

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Prevalence of falls in elderly in Brazil: a countrywide analysis

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0102-311x2011000900015 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 27 (9) ◽

pp. 1819-1826 ◽

Cited By ~ 69

Author(s):

Fernando Vinholes Siqueira ◽

Luiz Augusto Facchini ◽

Denise Silva da Silveira ◽

Roberto Xavier Piccini ◽

Elaine Tomasi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Female Gender ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

The North ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Falls In Elderly

We conducted a cross-sectional study of a sample of 6,616 elderly living in urban areas of 100 municipalities in 23 Brazilian states, who responded to questions on the occurrence of falls in the 12 months prior to the interview, and occurrence of fractures due to the falls. The prevalence of falls among the elderly was 27.6% (95%CI: 26.5-28.7). Among those reporting falls, 11% had suffered fractures as a result. Of the elderly, 36% had received guidance about the precautions necessary to prevent falls, and about 1% had required surgery. Falls were associated with female gender, older age, low socioeconomic status, obesity and sedentary lifestyles. The prevalence of falls differed significantly between the North and other regions of Brazil. The study shows a high prevalence of falls, and underlines the need for preventive strategies targeting modifiable risk factors.

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FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSES

Acta Ortopédica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1413-785220192704187274 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 212-215

Author(s):

Paloma Silva Lopes ◽

Diógenes Pires Serra Filho ◽

Marcos Antônio Almeida Matos

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Patients ◽

Case Series ◽

Functional Independence Measure ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cognitive Domain ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Documentary Analysis ◽

The Mean

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the functional independence to perform activities of daily living of pediatric patients diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidoses. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with the population of pediatric patients with a confirmed enzymatic diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses, enrolled in the Orthopedics outpatient clinic of a hospital in the State of Bahia. The data were collected between October 2016 and March 2017, based on the documentary analysis of the assessment forms used in the department. The variables of this study comprised sex, age, type of MPS and level of functional independence, measured by the Functional Independence Measure scale. Results: Twenty-six patients participated in the study. These were predominantly male (61.5%), with a mean age of 10 ± 4.5 years, affected by MPS VI (73.1%). In the motor domain, the mean score was 65 (± 19.9 points); the cognitive domain obtained a mean score equal to 28 (± 8.2 points); and the total FIM score was 93 (± 26.5). Conclusion: Impaired functional independence was observed among children and adolescents with mucopolysaccharidoses. Tasks related to dressing, toileting, bathing, problem solving and social interaction were those that required the most assistance and/or supervision. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

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Impact of cognitive performance on the functional capacity of an elderly population in Natal, Brazil

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/s0004-282x2008000600006 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 66 (4) ◽

pp. 809-813 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Keithlen Cruz Moreira de Castro ◽

Ricardo Oliveira Guerra

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Population Sample ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Elderly Persons ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

State Examination

Functional incapacity and cognitive impairment are conditions related to the process of human aging. Cognitive impairment is considered an important predicitve factor for functional impairment in elderly populations. This cross-sectional study analyzes the association between cognitive performance and functional capacity in an elderly population sample in Natal, Brazil. A total of 213 elderly persons were assessed by the BOAS Multidimensional Questionnaire (Brazil Old Age Schedule) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results of multivariate analysis and linear regression showed that age and schooling level are factors associated with cognitive performance in the elderly of this study. The final explicative model, elaborated by logistic regression, found that cognitive performance was the only predicitve variable of functional incapacity for the activities of daily living even when adjusted for sociodemographic variables.

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Assessing Functional Capacity and Factors Determining Functional Decline in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Acta Médica Portuguesa ◽

10.20344/amp.11974 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (10) ◽

pp. 654 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anamélia Oliveira ◽

Paulo Nossa ◽

Anabela Mota-Pinto

Keyword(s):

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Daily Living ◽

Functional Decline ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Adult Day Care ◽

Medication Usage ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Support

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess functional capacity and determine the factors associated with functional decline in the elderly in adult day care centres and home care support in the County of Coimbra, Portugal.Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 115 participants of both genders, aged between 65 and 98, were enrolled in the home care support and adult day care system of the County of Coimbra, Portugal. Functional capacity was assessed using the Barthel index and the Lawton index. Another questionnaire gathered social, demographic and health status information.Results: The basic activities of daily living were significantly associated with age, cohabitation, medication usage, falls and multiple morbidity. Analysis of the study’s variables and the instrumental activities of daily living found significant associations between age, institutional affiliation, perceived health status, hospitalizations, medication usage, physical exercise, multiple morbidities, falls, and fall prevention.Discussion: The results demonstrate that no statistically observable differences were found between gender and functional dependence. A significant association between the Barthel index and cohabitation was also found. We should also highlight that this sample revealed the extremely important role of families in determining the protection of highly dependent older people. Likewise, a significant association was observed between instrumental activities of daily living and levels of physical activity in which greater independence was found in those seniors who practiced physical exercise three or more times per week.Conclusion: The results of this study allow us to identify factors that may be associated with the functional decline in the elderly. Useful evidence for the adoption of intervention strategies in the elderly population was added, focused on the prevention of functional decline and maintenance of the functional capacities of the elderly.

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Risk factors for fear of falling in the elderly in Serbia

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp160620369i ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 75 (8) ◽

pp. 764-772

Author(s):

Suncica Ivanovic ◽

Sanja Trgovcevic

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Female Gender ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Everyday Functioning ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Demographic Questionnaire ◽

Study Results

Background/Aim. After a fall, the elderly can develop a fear of falling which can be more frequent and more serious problem than the fall itself because it represents the main factor limiting an older person in his/her everyday functioning. The aim of this study was to identify and examine, in a more detailed way, risk factors for developing fear of falling triggered by the history of their falls over the previous year in the elderly in Serbia who live in houses or apartments. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 people, mean age 75.04 years (min. 65, max. 94), randomly selected from the register of patients in the Primary Health Center of Nis (164 men and 236 women), in the period January- June 2014. Socio-demographic questionnaire ? Elderly Fall Screening Test (EFST), Multi-Factor Questionnaire Falls (MFQ) and Falls Efficacy Scale International (FESI) were used in this study. Results. After applying the multivariate binary logistic regression, it was found that significant predictors for developing fear of falling were as follows: female gender (OR = 2.599; p = 0.009), age 75?79 years (OR = 4.637; p = 0.009) and over 80 years (OR = 3.830; p = 0.001), increase in household members (OR = 1.206; p = 0.033), people who estimate their health as average (OR = 0.268; p < 0.001) and good (OR = 0.059; p < 0.001), number of falls higher than 2 (OR = 2.761; p = 0.003), presence of injuries during the fall (OR = 2.483; p = 0.028), periodical and repeating situations of ?near-fall? (OR = 3.830; p = 0.001), limited activity (OR = 2.124; p = 0.007) problems with sight (OR = 3.006; p < 0.001), cognitive problems (OR = 2.296; p = 0.005) and problems with balance (OR = 3.809; p < 0.001). Conclusion. The results of this study can be used for planning promotional programs for falls and a fear of falling prevention, as well as prevention of their consequences.

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Muscle strength and functional capacity of elderly people engaged in two types of strength training

Fisioterapia em Movimento ◽

10.1590/1980-5918.033.ao49 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira ◽

Naelly Renata Saraiva Pivetta ◽

Fabiana Cristina Scherer ◽

José Roberto Andrade do Nascimento Júnior

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Elderly People ◽

Latin American ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Weight Training ◽

Elbow Flexion ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Introduction: Regular physical activity is one of the main ways of avoiding compromised functional capacity and gaining muscle mass. Objective: investigate the differences in muscle strength and functional capacity of elderly people engaged in two types of strength exercises. Method: a cross-sectional study of 80 seniors of both sexes, 40 of whom engaged in weight training and 40 from the Fitness Zone in the city of Maringá, Paraná, state. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the sitting-rising and elbow flexion tests, and the functional capacity tests of the Latin American Development Maturity Group (GDLAM) were applied. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney “U” and Spearman’s correlation tests (p<0.05). Results: Most seniors who performed well in the sitting and rising test, rising from a chair and moving around the house and rising from the dorsal decubitus position engaged in weight training (p=0.001). Those engaged in weight training exhibited better upper limb strength and functional capacity in all the tests performed (p <0.05). Muscle strength is inversely related to functional capacity, that is, the better the result in the upper and lower limb muscle strength tests, the better the functional capacity of the elderly engaged in weight training. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, older people who engage in weight training display better upper limb strength and functional capacity than seniors from the Fitness Zone.

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