Profilaktyka zagrożeń domowych - postrzeganie problemu przez osoby starsze po złamaniach przezkrętarzowych

Aim:
Pertrochanteric fractures of the femoral bone frequently affect elderly patients with osteoporosis, and their effects often lead to disability and the need for the patient long-term care. The fractures are typically caused by low-energy trauma such as ground-level falls occurred in the patient’s home. The aim of the study is to evaluate fall prevention due to home hazards as well as the strategies used to maintain a long and healthy life by older adults.

Material and methods:
A study group of 70 patients, admitted to hospital and underwent osteosynthesis for pertrochanteric fractures between 2015 and 2019, mean age of 80.65 (range 75–99), were enrolled. The assessment was based on the following questionnaires performed at the 3- month follow-ups: Westmead Home Safety Assessment (WeHSA) Short Form and an own questionnaire constructed for the study.

Results:
According to WeHSA the most frequently reported hazards related to the home environment that may contribute to an accidental fall include: no alarm system/plan of action in case of emergency, lack of grabrails in the bathroom and toilet area and climbing to reach higher. The main results from the authors’ own questionnaire showed that dominant cause of injury was a ground-level fall in the place of residence due to tripping or slipping. Strategies used to maintain a long and healthy life by older adults most often included taking prescribed medications regularly, using mobility aids and painkillers when necessary.

Conclusions:
The findings suggest that implementing a fall prevention program and increasing health literacy could be the most effective method of treatment.