Análise espacial de quedas em idosos no Alto Sertão Paraibano.

Abstract

The elderly have shown a significant increase in life expectancy in recent decades, however, remain a susceptible population to various health hazards. Allied to this fact may be cited the squealed caused by falls, they represent a serious public health problem, ahead of the longevity of the population process, are associated with high rates of mortality, reduced functional capacity, increased frailty, and death early. Faced with this disease and its frequent occurrence, the elderly population in need of immediate assistance, call the SAMU often being necessary. Thus, this study attempted to analyze and verify the occurrence of falls in the elderly, characterizing the frequency of cases and the current situation in emergency context. Aimed to determine the spatial incidence of falls in elderly assisted by Mobile Medical Service (SAMU), in the municipality of Sousa -PB in the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Since this is a cross-sectional study of exploratory and descriptive nature, the document type with a quantitative approach. The target population for this study was elderly, victims of falls, accepted by the Mobile Service and Urgent, through the chips hit record then was administered a questionnaire containing questions relating to sociodemographic profile of the elderly and fall injury. Data were analyzed and presented in tables and graphs for Microsoft Office Excel 2007. The results revealed that 100 victims were elderly falling. Regarding the characteristics of the elderly, we found that 65 % were female. The predominant age group was 70-79 years 32%. The antecedents' hypertension is the most prevalent in the 60% sample. The type of symptom or most frequent complaint was the agitation by 50%. It was found that 66% of older people were sent to hospital while 33% were discharged. Regarding the characterization of the fall, it was found that the month of August was the most prevalent with 13%. There was a predominance of falls on weekends, especially on Sundays at 17%, with daytime hours more conducive to the occurrence of these with 69%. It was found that 64% of them occurred in the residence. We conclude that the results obtained from this research may contribute to the development of prevention programs, public policy and even before the facts, to promote the training of professionals of urgency regarding fall prevention for the elderly and ensuring better quality of life.