Spatial pattern of hospitalizations due to low impact falls in Portugal: exploratory analysis

• Main Author: Bessa, Ana Cristina
• Publication Date: 2017
• Other Authors: Alves, Sandra Maria, Pina, Maria Fátima
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/30028

Low impact falls result from low energy (falling from a chair or tripping on a mat), Female sex (up to 60/70%) and increase age (mean age of 80.3 years ± 8.7) are identified as risk factors falling. The continual increase of the elderly population worldwide poses as a problem to healthcare systems as theoretical there will be more individuals needing health assistance after suffering a fall. Despite extensive research and preventive efforts, accidental falls continues to be a massive health problem as in the elderly falls are a leading cause of severe injury requiring acute care or causing death. It is important to identify the spatial pattern to understand what is causing the increase and to plan awareness campaigns. We aim to identify the spatial pattern of hospitalizations due to low impact falls, in individuals over 65 years old in Continental Portugal (2000, 2007 and 2013).