Association between falls and depressive symptoms among elderly people from eleven Peruvian Andean highland communities 2013-2017.

Objective: To determine the association between falls and the presence of depressive symptoms in older adults of eleven highland Andean communities between 2013 and 2017. Material and methods: A retrospective, analytical study was conducted in a sample of residents aged 60 years and over, living in the following localities: La Jalca, Leimebamba (Amazonas), Llupa, San Pedro de Chaná, Atipayan (Ancash), Pampamarca (Huánuco), Ayahuanco (Ayacucho), Paucarcolla (Puno), Vilca (Huancavelica), Viñac (Lima) and Chacapampa (Huancayo). An instrument, based on general patient data, important pathological antecedents and physical examination, was utilized. Results: A total of 411 patients were interviewed, 65.94% of whom were female, and 65.45% lived in a rural area. Alcohol users accounted for 35.23% of total falls; a lower average physical performance and functional range were detected in patients who experienced falls, and 48.48% of the same had depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Patients with depressive symptoms have a 1.62 times higher chance to suffer a fall in their daily activity.