NASCIMENTO, A. R.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0339734980711401; NASCIMENTO, Adriana Ramalho.
Abstract:
Introduction: Exposed as one of the most traumatic events in this age group, the falls are
common and frequent episodes that may cause consequences of varying levels in the elderly.
This fact, justified the importance of research by the need to expand knowledge about this
event. Considering the lack of published studies on the evaluation of home environment and
its interference on the occurrence of falls in the elderly, allowing to extend the knowledge of
both academics and health professionals about the research theme. This study aimed to
identify the presence of the risk factors for falls in the home environment. Methodology: This
is a descriptive exploratory study with a quantitative approach conducted at the homes of old
people who are covered by the Family Health Unit José Leite Rolim, in the city of Cajazeiras,
Paraíba, Brazil. Data collection occurred at the residence of 51 elderly after the project was
approved by the Research Ethics Committee and obtained the signature of the Consent Term
and informed the willing participant. For this study we adopted a relevant semi structured
questionnaire to sociodemographic conditions, perception of falls and evaluation of the home
environment through the use of Environmental Risk of Falls Adapted Scale. The results were
organized and tabbed using Microsoft Office Excel 2010 program, and categorized through
graphs, tables and simple statistics. Environmental factors were identified by the
Environmental Risk of Falls Adapted Scale containing 30 questions, which for each
affirmative answer scored "0" and negative scored "1", the final sum was evaluated by the
score that determined the environmental risk level. Then the results were compared to the
relevant literature. Results: It was verified that 49.0% of participants were aged between 60
and 69 years-old, 68.6% were female and 47.1% fell at some point. Concerning the place
where 54.2% reported have fallen it was their homes, and 41.7% said they had not shown
consequences after the event. As for evaluation of the environment 53.0% presented medium
risk of falls, 47.0% low risk, and no environment presented high risk; the prevalent risk
factors showed 98.0% do not have support and 50.9% have throw rugs, 96.0% have indirect
light next to the bed and 37.2% do not use light sentinel, 86.2% have no chair to sit on in the
bedroom and 21.5% have bed with inadequate height, 90.1% do not have non-slip rugs and
62.7% do not have non-slip floor in the bathroom and kitchen, 19.6% had leaky sinks, besides
the lack of bilateral handrail and yellow stripe in 11.7% of the stairs steps. Conclusion: The
data provide information for the improvement of the topic between professionals and students
of health, it may contribute to the creation and development programs and public policies for
the prevention of falls in the home environment.
