Factors associated with functional disability in older adults with cancer treated at reference outpatient clinics in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To analyze factors associated with functional disability in older adults with cancer treated at reference outpatient clinics in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 463 older adults aged 60 years or older. The outcome variable was functional disability, evaluated by Lawton and Brody's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, social support, and health aspects. We performed bivariate and multivariate analyses and calculated prevalence ratios (PR) using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The prevalence of IADL functional disability was 55.3%. The variables associated with this disability in the multivariate analysis were: not working (PR=1.36; 95% confidence interval — 95%CI 1.03–1.78); low (PR=1.49; 95%CI 1.10–2.03) and moderate (PR=1.30; 95%CI 1.04–1.64) perceived affectionate support; depressive symptoms (PR=1.31; 95%CI 1.10–1.56); malnutrition (PR=1.28; 95%CI 1.03–1.59); having two or more comorbidities (PR=1.30; 95%CI 1.03–1.64), and having a companion to health services (PR=1.39; 95%CI 1.05–1.83). Conclusion: In addition to physical health aspects, comorbidities, and malnutrition, functional disability was associated with emotional, social support, and work issues, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive care and actions to maintain and recover functional capacity, promoting a better quality of life, the independence of older adults with cancer, and a reduced risk of adverse biopsychosocial outcomes.