FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RISK OF FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the risk of falls among older adults receiving care at a Primary Health Care Unit in the municipality of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. This was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study with a quantitative approach, conducted in October 2023. The sample consisted of 99 participants. Three instruments were used for data collection: 1) a questionnaire for sample characterization; 2) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS); and 3) the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel® and exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Fisher’s exact test was applied. Categorical variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies. A statistically significant association was observed between age group and fall-risk classification according to the TUGT (p<0.001) and BBS (p=0.003), as well as between income and fall risk according to the BBS (p=0.006). Among self-reported health conditions, diabetes mellitus was associated with fall-risk classification according to the TUGT (p=0.041), whereas low back pain was associated with fall-risk classification according to the BBS (p<0.001). Other health conditions were also associated with the TUGT (p=0.025) and BBS (p=0.014). It was concluded that sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions were associated with fall risk, reinforcing the importance of multidimensional assessment and preventive strategies targeting older adults in Primary Health Care.