[Fear of falling in the elderly with recurrent dizziness: a descriptive study]. / Síndrome de temor a caerse en personas mayores de 65 años con mareos de repetición: estudio descriptivo.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this research are to analyse prevalence and risk factors of the fear of falling in people over 65 years with recurrent dizziness. METHODS: This cross-sectional study includes 109 patients sent from General or Emergency Primary Care clinics of a Health Centre from January to December 2008 in Archena (Murcia). Data collected were clinical history, medication, fear of falling using a single question and Falls Efficacy Scale as well as social and functional status using Cubrecavi (Quality of Life Short Questionnaire) and GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire). RESULTS: Fear of falling is detected in 71.5% of our elderly population with recurrent dizziness, and it affects women more often than men. The variables associated with fear of falling in the multivariate analysis were, diabetes mellitus (OR: 35.15; 95%CI: 4.57-270.07; P<0,001), taking antidepressants (OR: 9.84;95%CI: 1,48-5.36; P=0.017), and frequency of social relations (OR: 0.18; 95%CI: 0.04-0.86; P=0.017); and independence for activities of daily living (OR: 0.17;95% CI: 0.04-0.76; P=0.021). CONCLUSION: A very high proportion of fear of falling is observed among elderly patients with frequent dizziness. This is one of the highest proportions published. Associated factors with fear of falling were, having diabetes mellitus and taking antidepressants, as risk factors; and higher frequency of social relationships and higher independence for activities of daily living as protective factors. In this population, having had a fall is not related to fear of falling.