Functional capacity and risk factors in elderly trauma victims

Abstract

Objective: To determine changes in the functional capacity of elderly victims of external-cause trauma using the Modified Barthel Index and to evaluate related independent risk factors during hospitalization and ninety days after discharge.Method: This prospective study of 247 elderly trauma victims in northeastern Brazil aged ≥ 60 years. Data were analyzed using the software BioEstat 5.0. The Wilcoxon test was used with a significance level of 5%. The independent predictors of incapacity that showed interactions (p<0.2) with the outcome were evaluated using logistic regression with a stepwise selection model and adjusted odds ratios with a confidence interval of 95%. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results:The mean age was 70.8 years, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 10.5 days. The logistic regression analysis showed that a history of cardiovascular disease, traumatic brain injury and femoral neck fracture were independent factors associated with moderate/severe functional incapacity in elderly trauma patients during hospitalization. Ninety days after discharge, associated factors were female gender, age greater than or equal to 80 years and femoral neck fracture. Conclusion:The Modified Barthel Index showed improvement in functional capacity in almost all categories, except for elderly who remained in wheelchairs during hospitalization and 90 days after hospital discharge, with evidence of independent factors associated with incapacity, particularly femoral neck fracture. Studies involving the elderly can scientifically support the formulation of public policies.