Abstract

GOMEZ JUANOLA, Manolo et al. Risk factors for accidents in geriatric age. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2004, vol.20, n.5-6. ISSN 0864-2125.

A prospective, longitudinal and descriptive study was conducted with analytical elements to evaluate the risk factors for accidents in the elderly from July 2000 to June 2001.The sample was composed of 101 aged individuals from the family physicians' offices 13 and 32, in Mantua municipality. The percentage calculation and X2 with a level of adjustment of a = 0.01 and a = 0.05 were applied. The following environmental factors predominated in the urban area: slipping bathroom floor (p 0.01), cooker of an inadequate height (p 0.05), polished floors, changing furniture, propping, filtrations and inadequate shoes (p 0.01). Lamp or switch away from the bed, bathroom away from the bedroom and absence of shower curtains, unlevel/irregular floor, furniture in bad state, deficient lighting, poorly protected electrical sources and circulation of pets (p 0.01) prevailed in the rural area. The most common physiological risks were: pluripathology/polypharmacy and degenerative arthropathy as a cause of balance alterations and walking, respectively. They prevailed in females (p 0.05). Congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease and cervical osteoarthritits predominated among the most frequent diseases in the females (p 0.05). 43.5 % of the males took only one drug. Sedatives (50-59 %) were the most used drugs. 59.40 % of the elderly were evaluated as low risk for accidentality.

Keywords : Accidents; elderly; family physician's oficces; coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure; rural population and urban population.