Abstract

REIS, M. Gorete; CARNEIRO, Constância; MAYOR, Margarida Sotto  and  PESTANA, Helena. Falls in the elderly with mental illness residing in long-term health unit. Revista Portuguesa de Enfermagem de Saúde Mental [online]. 2014, n.spe1, pp.33-39. ISSN 1647-2160.

Falls in psychogeriatric population are an important health issue particularly in long-term institutionalization. Repercussions in functionality and in quality of life are recognized as also in socio economic costs. Having multifactorial character, severity levels and costs, falls require preventive intervention. AIMS: To determine prevalence of falls of elderly with mental disorder, residents in long-term health unit (USLD), and identify associated factors. METHODS: It´s a cross-sectional, correlational descriptive study, to 80 elderly people with mental disorder, resident in a ULSD in middle of France. Studied the prevalence of falls and associated factors. Data collected: were demographic issues; Aggir scale (functionality) and a fall events. Data statistical treatment was descriptive and correlational with categorical analysis models. Ethical principles have been complied. RESULTS: Prevalence of falls is 25%. Mental disorder and dependence are factors highlighted. CONCLUSION: There is complex interaction between multiple personal, environmental and social factors in falls aetiology that suggests the importance of prevention and risk monitoring programs associated with falls.

Keywords : Aged; Institutionalization; Mentally ill persons; Accidental falls.

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