[Coping strategies, functional difficulties, and associated factors in institutionalized elderly].
The aim of this study was to analyze the strategies used by elderly people to cope with functional difficulties, and to investigate a possible association between such strategies and variables like depressive symptoms, gender, schooling, marital status, and self-perceived health. 103 institutionalized elderly individuals participated in the study. They required assistance for at least one activity of daily living. The study was cross-sectional and used the following indicators: Personal Data Chart, Activities of Daily Living Scale, Modified Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Mini-Mental Examination, Coping Strategies Inventory, and Geriatric Depression Scale. The most widely used coping strategies in the sample were self-control and problem solving. Significant associations were found between schooling and depression. The findings suggest that assessing coping strategies for stressful events can assist analysis of the situation and appropriate adaptation of the chosen strategies, so as to foster changes within the medical context.
Vivan
Analise de Souza
Ade S
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil. anavivan@uol.com.br
Argimon
Irani Iracema de Lima
II
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires