Epidemiological and clinical profile and trend analysis of hospitalizations for fall-related injuries among older adults, Alagoas (Brazil), 2008-2019

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical profile and the time trend of hospitalizations for fall-related injuries among older people (aged 60 years or older) in Alagoas between 2008 and 2019. Methods: This is a time series study with data collected from the Hospital Information System of the Unified National Health System (SIHSUS) referring to hospitalizations for fallrelated injuries among older adults in Alagoas (Brazil) between 2008 and 2019. Hospitalization and lethality rates, average annual percent change (AAPC), and annual percent change (APC) were calculated; time trends were analyzed using a Joinpoint Regression Model according to sex, skin color, age range, and causes. A 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was adopted. A p-value<0.01 was adopted for defining statistical significance. Results: In Alagoas, 14 817 cases of hospitalizations due to fall-related injuries were reported among older people in the analyzed period. The highest incidence rate was observed in 2016 (48.39/10 000 inhabitants). There were 517 deaths, and the mean lethality rate was 3.4%. A higher proportion of cases was seen in men (66.36%; n=9832), those aged 80 years or older (34.59%; n=5125), and with Brown skin (54.70%; n=8106). The incidence coefficient varied, showing an upward trend with time (APC: 4.1; 95%CI 0.2-8.2; p<0.01). Conclusion: The study showed a higher incidence in individuals aged 80 years or older, men, and found an upward trend in hospitalizations. We suggest the optimization of hospital care and promotion of fall prevention programs among older adults.

Keywords

• aged
• accidental falls
• time series studies