title: [Family functioning of elderly with depressive symptoms].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To classify families of elderly with depressive symptoms regarding their functioning and to ascertain the presence of an association between these symptoms, family functioning and the characteristics of the elderly.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study performed with 33 teams of the Family Health Strategy in Dourados, MS. The sample consisted of 374 elderly divided into two groups (with and without depressive symptoms). The instruments for data collection were a sociodemographic instrument, the GeriatricDepression Scale (15 items) and the Family Apgar.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An association was observed between depressive symptoms and family dysfunction, female gender, four or more people living together, and physical inactivity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The functional family may represent effective support for the elderly with depressive symptoms, because it offers a comfortable environment that ensures the well-being of its members. The dysfunctional family can barely provide necessary care for the elderly, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms.
authors: School of Nursing, Nursing Program, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, roselyalmeida@usp.br.
authors: Rosely Almeida
authors: RA
authors: Souza
authors: School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Gislaine
authors: G
authors: Desani da Costa
authors: School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Cintia Hitomi
authors: CH
authors: Yamashita
authors: School of Nursing, Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Fernanda
authors: F
authors: Amendola
authors: School of Nursing, University of São Paulo and Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Jaqueline Correa
authors: JC
authors: Gaspar
authors: Mato Grosso do Sul State University, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
authors: Márcia Regina Martins
authors: MR
authors: Alvarenga
authors: Mato Grosso do Sul State University, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
authors: Odival
authors: O
authors: Faccenda
authors: School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Maria Amélia de Campos
authors: MA
authors: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors