Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP ()

Factors associated with the risk of falls in hospitalized adult patients

  • Vivian Lemes Lobo Bittencourt,
  • Sandra Leontina Graube,
  • Eniva Miladi Fernandes Stumm,
  • Iara Denise Endruweit Battisti,
  • Marli Maria Loro,
  • Eliane Roseli Winkelmann

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-220x2016037403237
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 51, no. 0

Abstract

Read online

Abstract OBJECTIVE Analyzing factors related to the risk of falls in hospitalized adult patients. METHOD A cross-sectional, analytical and quantitative study, developed in Clinical and Surgical Hospitalization Units from June to August 2015. Data collection instruments were sociodemographic and clinical forms, and the Morse Scale. Data were obtained with the patients and from medical records. Absolute and relative frequencies were used in the univariate statistical analysis, and chi-square test in the bivariate analysis. RESULTS 612 patients participated in the study. An association (p<0.001) was found between the high risk of falls and clinical neurological hospitalization, surgical trauma (hospitalization) and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, visual impairment, vertigo and fear of falling. CONCLUSION An association between the risk of falls was found due to hospitalization, comorbidities and intrinsic factors. Regarding extrinsic factors, an association between mats/carpets and risk of falls was found. No association between the risk of falls with other extrinsic factors was found.

Keywords