Hospitalizations due to accidental falls in elderly living in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, and Brazil: time trends 2006-2014

Abstract Background The fall can cause serious problems for individuals, including reduced activities of daily living, increased fear of walking, and suffering another fall, which can have an impact on hospitalization. Objective To analyze the temporal trend of hospitalizations due to falls in the elderly, in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, and Brazil, from 2006 to 2014. Method This is a time-series study with records of hospitalizations from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System, due to falls in the elderly of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, and Brazil. Joinpoint program was used to analyze trends. Results A total of 703,791 hospitalizations were due to falls in Brazil, of which 5.0% occurred in Santa Catarina and 0.3% in Florianópolis. There was a growing trend in Brazil, from 2008 to 2014, and in Santa Catarina, from 2006 to 2014. In Florianópolis, there was an increase in rates, however, it was not significant. When the age groups were analyzed, the group from 60 to 69 years old was the one with the highest admission rates. Conclusion There was a growing trend of hospitalization for falls in the elderly in Santa Catarina (2006-2014) and Brazil (2008-2014). People aged 60 to 69 years old had the highest rates in the three territories.