Evaluation of home injuries in elderly people (HIEP) in Verona area (North-East Italy)

Abstract

Background. Home injuries in elderly represent an important cause of temporary or permanent physical inability, psychological consequences and high socio-economic costs. Aims. The purpose of the study was to investigate the frequency, the kind and some associated pathologies with intra and extradomestic accidents in elderly people in Verona. Methods. Between February and July 1998 an anonymous questionnaire was submitted to 1154 subjects (368 males and 786 female) to investigate domestic and extradomestic accidents occurred in the last 12 months. Results. The 56% of older people investigate reported a domestic accident in the last year (63% of women vs 41% of men), with an increasing prevalence over 75 years. The most frequent injury is represented by falls (57%) more frequently due to stairs. Conclusions. Educational programmes and architectural change should be taken to improve the quality of life in elderly people and to decrease the cost related to accidents