Risk of Falls in the Population of La Milagrosa Grandparents’ Home, in Havana, Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing is a biological process bringing about the appearance of diseases and musculoskeletal deformities, thereby increasing the risk of falls due to various reasons.

Objective: To evaluate the risk of falls among older adults at La Milagrosa grandparents' home.

Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with the population of La Milagrosa grandparents' home, in the municipality of 10 de Octubre, in February 2023. The universe, studied in its totality, was made up of 59 patients. The Downton falls risk scale (J. H. Downton) was applied.

Results: A greater representation of the age range between 71 and 80 years of age was observed, accounting for 49.1 % (n = 29), with a standard deviation of 7.7 years and a mean of 76.7 years. Previous falls occurred in 79.7 % of the patients (n = 47) and most patients were in the risk category (n = 53; 89.8 %). No patient (n = 0) was unable to walk. In female patients, safe ambulation with assistance predominated (n = 16; 27.1 %), whereas there was an equal predominance of safe ambulation with assistance and normal ambulation in male patients (n = 11; 18.4 % in each case).

Conclusions: The studied population had a high risk of falls, mainly in patients between 71 and 80 years of age, with a slight predominance in the female sex, mainly hypertensive patients who maintain treatment and a good mental orientation. Visual disturbances prevailed in both sexes and they needed help to walk safely.