[Functional status and associated factors among the elderly in a southern Brazilian city: a population-based study].
The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of low functional capacity and associated factors in Joaçaba, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in 2003-2004, using a household survey (n = 345). Subjects who demonstrated difficulty in performing 6 or more activities or inability to conduct 3 of the activities according to the scale proposed by Rikli & Jones were defined as having low functional capacity. A questionnaire covering socioeconomic, demographic, housing, and self-perceived socioeconomic variables was applied. The study included distribution of the target variables' simple frequency, chi-square association tests, and multiple logistic regression analysis. The response rate was 92.7%, with a low functional prevalence of 37.1% (95%CI: 32.0-42.2). Mean age was 69.5 years. After adjusting for confounding variables, the factors associated with low functional capacity were: age > 70 years, female gender, and negative self-perceived socioeconomic status. A high percentage of elderly citizens in Joaçaba show low functional capacity, leading to dependency. Health programs that delay the onset of such disabilities could contribute to healthier aging.
Fiedler
Mariarosa Mendes
MM
Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, Brasil.
Peres
Karen Glazer
KG
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors