[Determinant factors of functional status among the elderly].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact of health-related demographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as the impact of factors associated to social activity and the subjective health evaluation on the functional status of elderly people.


METHODS
A cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted in a representative population sample in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1989. Functional status was evaluated using a scale of activities of personal and instrumental daily living. It was studied as a dichotomous variable: absence of dependency - disability/difficulty in none of the activities in contrast with moderate/severe dependency - disability/difficulty in 4 or more activities. Multiple regression analysis was applied to hierarchically clustered factors.


RESULTS
Those with the following features were more associated to moderate/severe dependency: illiterate, retired, pensioner, house keeper, living in a rented home, age over 65 years, multigenerational family composition, hospitalization in the last 6 months, mental health screening case, no visiting friends, and having a pessimistic perception of his/her own health when compared to their peers.


CONCLUSIONS
The identified features associated to moderate/severe dependency suggest a complex net of causes for the declining functional status. However, one can assume that preventive measures directed to specific factors can benefit these population by improving their well-being.
Rosa
Tereza Etsuko da Costa
TE
Instituto de Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. tererosa@isaude.sp.gov.br
Benício
Maria Helena D'Aquino
MH
Latorre
Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira
Mdo R
Ramos
Luiz Roberto
LR
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors