[Effect of a multidimensional intervention for prevention of falls in the eldery].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo evaluate the effect of a multidimensional intervention on the perception and management of risk factors and frequency of falls in independent elderly people living in the community.\n\n\nDESIGN\nRandomised clinical trial.\n\n\nSETTING\nFamily health centre, primary care.\n\n\nPARTICIPANTS\nIndependent elderly people living in the community.\n\n\nINTERVENTION\nFor intervention group (IG) a multidimensional intervention, consisting of home visits and telephone follow-up was carried out for 5 months (n=77), and those assigned to the control group (CG, n=77) received usual care in the family health centre.\n\n\nMAIN MEASUREMENTS\nPerception of risk of falls, number of risk factors and number of falls in the study period.\n\n\nRESULTS\nIn both groups there were increases in the perception of risk factors for falling associated with walking (IG: P<.001 and CG: P<.001). Belonging to the IG was significantly associated with a decrease in the risk factors associated with surfaces (r=0.25) and shoes (r=0.24), as well as an increase in the perception of risk of falls associated with walking (r=0.21) and the presence of objects or furniture (r=0.36). In the IG, 5 participants (7.9%) suffered at least one fall in the 5-month period and 18 (27.7%) patients in the CG (P=.004).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe multidimensional intervention was effective in reducing the frequency of falls and in the management of extrinsic risk factors associated with surfaces, lighting, and support devices.