Identificação de fatores de risco para quedas em idosos, distintos por gênero e idade

Abstract

This work aimed to assess the relevance of the most common clinical tests and risk factors current used to establish the probability of falls among the elderly. 85 seniors took part in this research, both male and female, fallers and no fallers, 60 years old or more. This population was analyzed and divided into seven classes: (1) The whole population; (2) The whole female population (Female Group FG); (3) The whole male population (Male Group MG); (4) Female group 1 (FG1: 60 to 69 years old); (5) Female group 2 (FG2: > 70 years old); (6) Male group 1 (MG1: 60 to 69 years old); (7) Male group 2 (MG2: > 70 years old). The following criteria were considered in the analyses: quantity of falls, daily medication (Med), Body Mass Index (BMI), Calf Circumference (CC), Waist Circumference (WC), grip strength (MF), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), balance (Berg Balance Scale BBS), mobility (Timed Up & Go TUG), cognitive state (Mini Mental State Examination MMSE), Life Satisfaction (LS), Physical Self-Efficacy (PSE), Functional Capacity (FC) and Fear of Falling (Falls Efficacy Scale International - FES I Brasil). Although 60% of the whole population did not fall, FG falls more frequently (53%) than MG (14%). The age range analysis shows that FG2 falls the most (FG2: 62%; FG1: 39%; MG2: 27%; and MG1: 6%). The Spearman Test (p &#8804; 0,05) revealed that the relationship fall x criteria (significantly correlated) varies according to the group, as follows: FG: Med, WC, MF, DGI, FES I Brasil, TUG, LS, FC; FG1: there was no relevant correlation; FG2: DGI; MG: BBS and TUG; MG2: FES I Brasil (p<0,001). The covariance was assessed for all indices in relation to the variable fall. According to those analyses, the most relevant elements are: FG: Med, DGI, and FES I Brasil; MG: MF, DGI, BBS, and TUG; FG1: BMI, WC, FES I Brasil, and TUG; FG2: Med, CC, and DGI; MG1: MF, DGI, and TUG; MG2: BBS and FES I Brasil. The results shows that the proper risk factors and the assessment tools to be used to evaluate the probability of fall among the elderly are significantly different for males and females, as well as among the same sex but at different age range. It is therefore suggested that the assessment protocols should be developed taking these differences into consideration, in order to ensure better efficacy, better directions for the treatment and earlier interventions. Such specificity would contribute to reduce the amount of falls and, consequently, improve the quality of life of the elderly population.