Elderly victims of trauma: analysis of the risk factors

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for trauma among the elderly, using a quantitative, cross-sectional approach, as well as logistical regression analysis. This study was performed at the emergency rooms of two hospitals in Curitiba. Interviews were performed with 261 elderly individuals, 56.7% of whom were women, and 43.3% men. Their ages ranged between 60 and 103 years, with most being younger than 70 years (44.8%). The most frequent trauma mechanisms were: falls (75.9%), being run over (9.6%), direct trauma (5.4%) and motor vehicle accident (3.8%). The multivariate analysis permitted the authors to affirm that the female gender, the presence of a caregiver, the utilization of continuous-use medication, and the presence of hearing impairment significantly increased the risk of trauma due to falls. Individuals having vision problems (without the use of glasses) and aged individuals with a monthly income of less than three minimum salaries tend to have a higher risk of suffering trauma due to falls. If the factors that greatly influence trauma among the elderly are evaluated during nursing appointments, it is possible to promote health interventions that favor their prevention.