Characterization of falls among older adults in primary health care in Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction:  in Ecuador, older adults or senior citizens are considered to be those over 65 years of age, in whom a high number of falls have been observed, causing a significant rate of morbidity and mortality in recent years. The increase in the frequency of falls in older adults contributes directly to an increase in injuries and medical conditions.Methodology: the present research was conducted under a quantitative approach using the PRISMA method, which allows for the characterization of falls among older adults in primary health care based on numerical data, as well as obtaining perceptions and risk factors present in a specific population, employing a literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar, among others.Results: through exhaustive research, it was determined that falls can have origins in both internal and external factors, resulting in physiological, psychological, and social changes in older adults.Conclusions: among the main causes involved in falls among older adults are the use of psychotropic medications, alcoholism, age, as well as muscle weakness, recurrent falls, visual and auditory deficits. Early detection of risk factors associated with falls in older adults allows for early and targeted intervention, which can help reduce the incidence of falls and their negative consequences