SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH AND FALLS IN ELDERLY ATTENDED IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Self-perceived health provides valuable information about an individual's overall health status and can influence several outcomes, such as the occurrence of falls in older adults. Falls represent a major public health issue, leading to disability and mortality. Objective: To analyze the relationship between self-perceived health and the occurrence of falls in older adults treated in primary care. Metodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 540 older adults (≥60 years old) receiving care at Family Health Centers in Goiânia, Brazil. Sociodemographic data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Self-perceived health was assessed through the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20), using the question: “In general, compared to other people your age, would you say your health is: excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?”. The occurrence of falls was investigated using the Clinical Falls Risk Assessment Form. Logistic regression models were used to obtain the odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval. Results: Individuals with a negative self-perception of health ("fair" or "poor") had a higher incidence of falls (301 – 55.7%) compared to those with a positive perception (239 – 44.3%). Women had a higher prevalence of falls (140 – 39.7%). Higher levels of education and income were significantly associated with positive self-perception (165 – 47.6%; 266 – 64.1%; 18 – 81.8%). Conclusion: A negative self-perception of health is associated with an increased risk of falls. Women fall more frequently, while higher education and income are associated with a better perception of health.