Prevalence of falls and associated factors in older adults

The increased life expectancy and consequent rise of the elderly population resulted in changes in the epidemiological profile of morbidity, with a proportional increase of chronic diseases. In this context, falls are of growing public health interest, given its high frequency and possibility of prevention. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of falls in an elderly population, and to identify some variables associated with this outcome. Cross-sectional study including 4003 elderly subjects (65 years or more) living in areas covered by primary health care in 41 cities from seven states in Brazil. The sample was randomly selected, following a multistage protocol. The prevalence of falls was 34.8%, significantly higher in women than men. Among those who experimented falls, 12.1% had a fracture as a consequence. The prevalence of falls was directly associated with older age, sedentary lifestyle, poor self-perception of health and higher number of drugs prescribed for chronic use. It was found a high prevalence of falls among elderly living in areas covered by primary health care in a Brazilian sample. Such prevalence may be reduced by preparing health professionals and health systems to deal with the prevention of falls.