Factors associated with family dysfunction among non-institutionalized older people

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the factors and their prevalence associated with family dysfunction, as well as the functional capacity of the elderly population, in the capital of the state of Goiás, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional and analytical study, which was developed with elderly people who reported family dysfunction. Global capacity and family dynamics were analyzed. For the 149 elderly people with family dysfunction, there was prevalence of the female gender, aged between 60 to 69, married, multi-person home, normal health, and presence of pain. Functional capacity evaluation revealed partial dependence for self-care. In the family dynamics, dialog and time shared by the family were the most fragile aspects, with moderate satisfaction for all domains. High family dysfunction remained associated with falls (p=0.003) and previous episodes of acute myocardial infarction (p=0.004) using Poisson's analysis. The elderly expressed preserved functional autonomy and capacity regarding self-care and social living.

Social and health-related predictors of family function in older spousal caregivers: a cross-sectional study

“…11 When the family struggles to adapt to the challenges arising from ageing and the presence of chronic diseases, family relationships may be affected negatively, impacting the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of older adults. 12,13 Considering a qualitative approach, studies indicate that when the impairment of functional capacity affects the elderly, the entire family system is also affected, regardless of social class 14,15 . Regarding the caregiver, the family support provided to the elderly can occur in an imposed way, without emotional/social support and information about the care to be provided.…”

“… 11 When the family struggles to adapt to the challenges arising from ageing and the presence of chronic diseases, family relationships may be affected negatively, impacting the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of older adults. 12 , 13 …”

Grau de dependência e funcionalidade familiar do idoso

“…O suporte social contribui de forma significativa para a integridade física e psicológica de um indivíduo. Pressupõe que, em condições de disfuncionalidade, a capacidade assistencial das famílias poderia ser prejudicada e, dessa forma, não conseguiriam atender adequadamente as necessidades de cuidados de seus parentes idosos, podendo, então, interferir na independência, autonomia e qualidade de vida desses idosos (Vera, et al, 2015).…”

Repercussions of hospitalization due to fall of the elderly: health care and prevention

“…The family acts as a protection factor and in the presence of diseases and disabilities, the change of intrafamily roles occurs, with possible choice of the main caregiver. However, one should not exclude the right of the elderly to care for themselves, it is important to empower and support self-care (20) .…”