Perfil epidemiológico de idosos atendidos em hospital de ensino em decorrência de quedas da própria altura: análise retrospectiva dos últimos 10 anos

Abstract

Objective: Population aging constitutes an important challenge for healthcare systems, especially due to the increase in the occurrence of falls among older adults and their clinical, functional, and socioeconomic repercussions. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of older adults treated at a teaching hospital as a result of falls during the period from 2014 to 2023. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, documentary study with a quantitative approach, developed through the analysis of physical and electronic medical records of elderly patients treated at the Urgency and Emergency Unit of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia and was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee (CAAE: 81994824.0.0000.5152). The sample consisted of 72 medical records selected through random sampling among the eligible cases. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: A predominance of females was observed (73.6%), with a mean age of 77 years, white skin color (52.8%), and living with others (83.3%). Among the most prevalent clinical conditions were systemic arterial hypertension (73.6%), diabetes mellitus (26.4%), and cardiovascular diseases (11.1%). Regarding medication use, a higher frequency of antihypertensive drugs (52.8%) and diuretics (23.6%) was observed. Injuries resulting from falls were predominantly osteoarticular, with emphasis on femur fractures (23.6%), followed by ankle fractures (11.1%). Regarding hospital outcomes, most have been discharged from the hospital (81.9%), while 18.0% died. Conclusion: It is concluded that falls mainly affect older women with a high burden of comorbidities and continuous use of medications which is frequently associated with injuries of high morbidity, especially femur fractures. The findings reinforce the need for preventive strategies directed toward the identified risk factors, aiming to reduce the occurrence of falls, reduce their consequences, and promote healthier and safer aging.