The influence of the use of benzodiazepines in the frequency falls in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION

Falls are an important factor of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Every year falls between 30% and 40% of people over 65 years, and the consequences of injuries in this age are much severe than in the younger age groups. Most of these falls resulting from complex interactions between the external and internal factors. The causes of falls of elderly patients are most frequently accidental, limb weakness, difficulty walking and taking medication.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Cross-sectional study, the control type, we analyzed the frequency of falls and individual risk factors for falls in the elderly (> or = 65 years). The dependent variable was the decline and potential risk factors were used: age, sex, use of benzodiazepines.

RESULTS

Out of 376 respondents were significantly more women 242 (64%) compared to 134 men (46%), the decline has been seen 128 (34%) were taking benzodiazepine 216 (57%) of the respondents, the most commonly used benzodiazepine is bromazepam and a positive correlation was found between the use of benzodiazepines and frequency of falls.