Nursing F W S (Due 24 Hours)

Introduction

According to WHO (2019) in the last 50 years the demographic, epidemiological and social changes that the general population has experienced are a reality, the population is aging rapidly, population projections indicate that in 2020 the elderly will reach 986,407 than represent 6.94%, by the year 2025 there will be 1,592,232 that will represent 9.84%, in the same way the incidence and prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases are increasing and the social situation is negatively projected to abandonment , loneliness, social marginalization and poverty. As age increases, so does the risk of loss of physical functionality and mental autonomy, which leads to dependence on other people to carry out activities of daily living and a worse quality of life.

Statement of the Problem

The elderly is a human being who is part of a risk group for multiple diseases and organic dysfunctions, derived from the natural aging process. This makes the older adult a fragile person, whose physical, psychological, social, and spiritual integrity is constantly at risk of being affected by external factors (Ramirez, 2018). Among the diseases and injuries to which the elderly is exposed, one of them is falling. Falls in the elderly are one of the Great Geriatric Syndromes, these not only exist but in light of the information we have today, we affirm that they constitute one of the most severe epidemiological problems, generating a cascade of consequences of all kinds, including social and economic (Hendriksen, 2020).

Purpose of the Study

Considering that most falls are potentially preventable, this study aims to provide information to healthcare professionals and caregivers about effective measures to avoid or reduce the risk of falls in this population to prevent and stop the falling cascade of its dreadful consequences that imply functional dependence, burden on the family and caregivers, institutionalization, and premature death.

Research Question

What is the prevalence of falls in the adult population (P) and its associated intrinsic factors: chronic diseases, mental state, ambulation; extrinsic: drugs, alcohol, footwear, daily activities, place, ground condition, an interval of the day, and unclassifiable: previous falls, fear of falling, types of falls (I) when caregivers and health professionals know mechanisms to reduce the factors of risks that promote falls (C) which can cause consequences that imply functional dependence (O).

Hypothesis

The prevalence of falls in older adults in the health institution is higher than 26.1% and is associated with factors such as chronic diseases, mental state, ambulation, drugs, alcohol, footwear, daily activities, place, ground condition, interval of the day, previous falls, fear of falling and types of falls.

Study Variables

Dependent Variable

Presence of fall.

Independent Variable

Sex, age, marital status, body mass index, chronic diseases, drug use, alcohol consumption, activities before the fall, previous falls, number of falls, fear of a new fall, place of fall, conditions of the floor, type of footwear, presence of object that favours the fall, interval of the day, type of fall, mental state and ambulation.

Operationalize Variables

Reference

Hendriksen, C. (2020). Better balance - fall prevention among elderly people. Http://isrctn.org/. doi:10.1186/isrctn89512790

Ramirez, J. (2018). Fall Detection for Elderly People in Indoor Environment using Kinect Sensor. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 6(1), 1956-1960. doi:10.21275/art20164595

WHO. (2019, October 03). Falls Prevention in Older Age. Retrieved October 08, 2020, from https://www.who.int/ageing/projects/falls_prevention_older_age/en/