Functional Dependence among older adults receiving care from Family Health Strategy teams

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract Objective : To evaluate functional dependence among older adults receiving care from Family Health Strategy (FHS) teams, in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, identifying associated factors. Methods : A cross-sectional and analytical study with randomly selected older adults was performed. The instrument used was BOMFAQ (the Brazilian Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire). Data collection was performed by trained staff in the homes of the older adults. Sociodemographic, economic data, living habits, health care, morbidities and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were evaluated. In addition to descriptive analysis, factors associated with functional dependence were identified using the chi-square test, followed by hierarchical multiple analysis using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results : 1,750 older adults were evaluated. The group was predominantly female, with low schooling. The proportion of the sample considered dependent was 57.0%. The variables associated with functional dependence were: female gender (PR=1.19); age ≥70 years (PR=1.33); schooling ≤4 years (PR=1.19); being unemployed (PR=1.43); not performing physical activity (PR=1.19) or walking (PR=1.15); not listening to the radio as a leisure activity (PR=1.13); not having the habit of reading (PR=1.17); presenting depressive symptoms (PR=1.15); hospitalization in the last six months (PR=1.18); cognitive impairment (PR=1.16); insomnia (PR=1.13); obesity (PR=1.18); falls in the last year (PR=1.11); cataracts (PR=1.09), spinal problems (PR=1.19); urinary incontinence (PR=1.25); poor circulation (PR=1.09) and a negative self-perception of health (PR=1.22). Conclusion : Functional dependence is multifactorial, but is influenced mainly by the health conditions of older adults.</jats:p>

Difficulties in Caring for the Older Adults: Perspective of Brazilian and Portuguese Caregivers

“…With advancing age and limiting health conditions, it is common for a significant number of older adults to live with high levels of functional dependence and because of this they need help from others to carry out basic daily activities of life, such as hygiene, food and walking [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. It is in this sense that the family begins to play the role of the main caregiving institution, often needing to form a new family arrangement to adapt to the new reality [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], and experiencing conditions of work overload and family conflicts [ 2 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Capacidade funcional e práticas de autocuidado de idosos: norteadores para atenção integral a idosos a partir da atenção primária à saúde

“…Dificuldades cognitivas foram mencionadas por 46,9% dos idosos participantes da pesquisa atual. No estudo de Soares et al (2019) 80,1% dos dependentes apresentaram algum comprometimento cognitivo e as dificuldades cognitivas estiveram associadas a dependência funcional. Observou-se ainda que um pior desempenho cognitivo associouse ao maior comprometimento funcional.…”