Emergency Department Visits due to falls in public hospitals, Brazil, 2009

Objective: To analyze the characteristics and associated factors of fall related injuries treated in selected emergency departments (ED). Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzing 12,617 ED visits due to falls collected through the National Injury Surveillance System (VIVA), in 23 Capitals and the Federal District, from September to November 2009 through a cluster sample. A correspondence analysis was used. Results: Most victims were male (56.5%), age group 0 to 19 (45.7%) and non-white (62.2%). Most falls occurred at home (54.6%); females showed higher proportion compared to males) and public places (17.4%). Work related falls were 14.3% overall. Alcohol use prior to the fall, suspected by the interviewer or informed by the victim, reached 11.4%. The leading types were fall on same level (57.0%) and fall on and from stairs and steps (15.6%). The majority of injuries were classified as contusions, sprains, dislocations and cuts (68.3%); fractures account for 16.8% and traumatic brain injury for 4.7% overall. The correspondence analysis showed an association between falls among children aged 0 to 9 occurred at home, aged 10 to 14 and at school and aged 15 to 19 and at sports. Falls among adults 20 to 59 years were associated with workplace; falls from scaffolds, roofs, ladders, holes, and alcohol use. Falls on same level were associated with less severe injuries, in the upper and lower extremities. Scaffolds and roofs were associated with severe injuries and hospitalization.Conclusions: Fall prevention strategies should be implemented particularly in the home, schools and workplace environments.hools and workplace environments.