Assessment of risk factors associated with falls among the elderly in a municipality in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Falls among the elderly are one of the main public health problems that have direct consequences for their health. They reduce these individuals’ autonomy and functional independence. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with falls among elderly people enrolled within primary healthcare. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at primary healthcare units in the municipality of Patos, state of Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: The Fall Risk Score and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were used for evaluating the risk of ...