Risk of drug-related falls among noninstitutionalized older adults

Abstract

Objective: To determine the number of drugs taken per day, which represents a risk factor for falls among noninstitutionalized older adults with a history of falls in the last year.

Method: This was a descriptive study that used random sampling and the following measurement instruments: the WHO questionnaire for the study of falls in older adults, gait scale and geriatric depression scale and gait and balance. Univariate and bivariate analysis, nonparametric chi-squared test, and binary logistic regression were performed using the SPSS statistical program version 21.0.

Results: 214 individuals participated in the study. Those who took ≥ 4 drugs presented higher risk of falling, p=0.010 OR=4.034. The same was not true for individuals who took ≤ 3 drugs, p=0.006 OR=0.335.

Conclusion: The use of four or more drugs per day was considered a risk factor for falls among older adults.