Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Risk Factors of Dizziness among Institutionalized Elderly Persons: A Case Control Study

Lidiane Maria De Brito Macedo Ferreira

Introduction: Institutionalized elderly people suffer from balance disorders, such as dizziness, that may result in falls and health debilitation. The aims of this study were to describe the institutionalized elderly population with dizziness and to determine the risk factors for dizziness related to the institution, lifestyle and health status of the elderly. Method: A case control study was performed in 12 Nursing Homes regulated by the Health Surveillance department. A hundred and twenty-three elderly persons who possessed a satisfactory cognitive level measured by the Pfeiffer test and the ability to walk were eligible. Of these, 102 elderly persons were selected half of whom (n=51) had suffered dizziness in the previous year. The other half (n = 51) were used as controls, and the two groups were matched for sex and age. Variables relating to the characteristics of the facility, lifestyle and health status of the elderly were analyzed. The Chi-squared and Fisher’s Exact tests were used for statistical analysis, with a significance level set at 5%, and multivariate model by logistic regression, with magnitude of the association calculum between variables measured by Odds Ratio. Results: The risk factors for dizziness were the presence of three or more pathologies per elderly person and the use of a gastro-protective drug, as a proxy of polypharmacy adjusted by systemic arterial hypertension and smoking. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with dizziness were the number of comorbidities higher than three and a gastro-protective drug adjusted in the multivariate model by hypertension and smoking