Prevalência de quedas em idosos cadastrados na Atenção Primária à Saúde.

Abstract

The aging process presents several singularities, which are characterized by the interactions established between the chronological, biological, psychological and social processes. In the elderly, these conditions favor the occurrence of falls, defined as an unexpected and unintended change that results in the individual's initial positioning being shifted to a level below normal, resulting in trauma ranging from mild to severe, with fractures and injuries. even the death of the elderly. The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of falls in the elderly population accompanied by Primary Health Care. This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach that included non-institutionalized elderly, assisted in Family Health Strategy Units. The sample consisted of 350 elderly, due to logistical problems. Descriptive statistical analysis using proportion and mean. Project approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Campina Grande, campus Cajazeiras, opinion under number 2.517.912. Data revealed that most participants were female (57.1%), white / race (50.0%), married (57.7%), and religion (85.7%). Regarding falls in the last three months, 21.4% fell, of which 26.7% needed hospitalization and 26.7% had restriction of some kind of daily activity due to the fall. The elderly, especially women, after falling, develop behaviors that directly affect the quality of life and activities for self-care and household chores, since this is the occupation of the majority. In addition, the existence of multiple complications, physical impairment resulting from fractures, psycho-emotional injuries and the fear of falling again, are responsible for impairing the functional mobility of the elderly, leaving them dependent on their activities of daily living. The study achieved satisfactory results, considering that most of the elderly did not present episodes of falls in the last three months. In this scenario, the nurse plays a fundamental role in health promotion and prevention regarding the risks of falls in the elderly, since, with their natural role of leader, encourages the entire team to be involved in the actions.