Avaliação do risco de queda em idosos no ambiente domiciliar

Abstract

Initial Considerations: Aging occurs spontaneously, triggering some physiological changes that interfere negatively in the lives of human beings. The elderly have a series of intrinsic factors that are associated with the risk of falling, in this context it is worth highlighting that extrinsic factors (inadequate floors and lighting, stairs without support bars, loose carpets, among others) linked to these natural causes intensify the risk of falling. Objective: To understand the factors that are associated with the risk of falling in elderly people in PHC. Methods: Qualitative study carried out with 10 elderly people, from March to April 2024, in a Basic Health Unit (UBS) in Teresina – Piauí. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview, in compliance with ethical precepts, after signing the free and informed consent form, they were recorded, transcribed and later distributed into thematic categories using the content analysis technique, being analyzed through the content of Bardin.Results and Discussion: There was a predominance of elderly women, retirees, living in their own home and the majority reported having fallen after the age of sixty. The study subjects are aware of the importance of adequate nutrition for their age group, as the majority reported consuming proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Most of them routinely report walking. Furthermore, some elderly people mention the use of polypharmacy and state that these medications do not interfere with their daily activities or the risk of falls. However, the home environment is a risk factor for falls, with most homes having uneven levels. flooring, bathrooms without protective bars and the use of carpets in different parts of the house. Furthermore, the external environment of the house is also a place that poses a risk to the elderly, as there are some obstacles in that location. Final Considerations: It is concluded that the majority of elderly people have a balanced diet as a protective factor against the risk of falling, they perform regular physical activity, preserved calf muscle mass, however, their home environment is not adequate, thus it was perceived the need for housing policies for the elderly, training of health professionals regarding the risk of falling in the home environment and lack of educational material. It is hoped that this study would also contribute to the development of new research.