Adherence to Recommendations to Prevent Falls in the Elderly, Albacete, Spain, 2009

Abstract

Background: There are recommendations to prevent falls. Our goal is to determine, in older people, the knowledge and adherence to these recommendations, and to analyze the demographic characteristics and associated morbidity. Methods: Observational study of prevalence and crossed association. The target population are older people living in the community. The subjects were randomly selected (n = 919) and interviewed about their knowledge and level of adherence to existing recommendations to prevent falls in older people, we also gathered information about their health problems and their demographic characteristics. A descriptive analysis was performed and compared the «more compliant» subjects with the rest of the participants. Using a multivariate analysis the association of adhesion with possible factors was found. Results: 50.8% were unaware that there are physical exercises recommended to prevent falls and 22.0% that taking care of your feet can contribute to this end. The recommendations with greater adherence are those related to the bathroom, where 62.2% used the shower for personal hygiene and 83.5% use non-slip floor mat in the shower or bathtub. Variables associated with increased compliance are: presence of 3 or more health problems (OR: 1.6), age over 80 years (OR: 1.4), higher level of schooling (OR: 1.5) and unmarried individuals, widowed or divorced (OR: 1.4).