A queda e suas consequências para o idoso : aspectos psicológicos e emocionais

Abstract

The falls among the elderly constitute an important clinical and public health problem due to its high incidence with consequent elevated mortality and morbidity on this population, causing a great impact on their life, on their relatives lives and on the public health system, due to the high costs of assistance. This study aimed at investigating the fall and its consequences for the elderly people, considering the psychological and emotional aspects. Thirty two people were interviewed, 25 women and seven men, aging 60 to 98 years-old, all residents in the city of Uberaba - MG, selected at four different places: two rehabilitation centers, physiotherapy clinic, aquatic academy and two long permanence institutions. Most of the group was retired, single, with low education level and lived predominantly in multigeneration families. The participants were interviewed about their personal data and health habits. The questionnaire was composed by 20 questions about the fall event under several aspects. The data received statistical treatment and they were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. In the results, it was verified that the average of falls by person was 3,21; women presented a bigger relative value than men. The falls occurred mostly in the external areas of the homes, and during the day. Most of the elders had a positive conduct in front to the event, adopting preventive measures. The psychological and emotional consequences most related were the fear (of falling, of leaving alone and other fears), the increase of the attention and care. The results suggest there is an enormous need to produce information about some risk factors for falls which the elderly people are exposed daily; health professionals should provide more orientation concerning posture; and there is a need of developing significant, but low costs practices in the primary level of attention to the elder's health.