Functional capacity and self-care practices of older primary healthcare users and their association with indicators of social vulnerability

Abstract

Introduction Public policies for older people encourage interventions aimed at preserving or improving their functional capacity and autonomy. Some of these policies emphasize self-care practices and the strengthening of daily activities, especially in primary healthcare. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the functional capacity and self-care practices of older users of primary healthcare in Brazil and their association with indicators of social vulnerability. Method This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted with 128 older individuals. Results The results showed that being male, frail, and having diabetes and depression increases the likelihood of having difficulties in basic activities. They also showed that being female, aged over 80 years, frail, having poor self-perception of health, chronic conditions, anemia, osteoarthritis, and depression influence functional outcomes in instrumental activities. Conclusion The characterization of older people regarding sociodemographic data, self-perception of health, chronic conditions, level of frailty, and their relation to functional capacity and self-care is novel and relevant, given the scarcity of scientific studies assessing these aspects as compensatory practices for functional difficulties, as well as the associated factors, especially in older individuals residing in areas with indicators of vulnerability.