Psychosocial aspects and support networks associated with disability in two longevous populations in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Among the oldest old, aged 80 years and over, the prevalence of disability is higher than in other age groups and can be considered a predictor of mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how psychosocial aspects and support networks influence the disability of these oldest-old individuals, performing a comparison between two longevous populations, one living in one of the poorest regions of Brazil, in the backlands of Paraíba, and another living in one of the largest urban centres in Latin America. METHOD: A cross-sectional study in which 417 oldest-old persons aged 80 years and older were interviewed, with data collected through the "Health, Welfare and Ageing" survey conducted in two Brazilian cities. Disability was assessed by reporting the need for assistance in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Bivariate and multiple analyses were performed using R statistical software. RESULTS: Food insufficiency in the first years of life had negative repercussions on the disability of oldest old people living in the northeast. On the other hand, in this region, older people have a higher rate of support and live longer with their peers, which may contribute to reducing feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and worse self-perception of health. In the Southeast, financial constraints, subjective poverty, and unmet needs may favour the development of functional limitations between long-lived people. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that regional differences in Brazil may influence the disability of older people aged 80 and older. In northeast Brazil, having no partner may contribute to disability for ADLs and IADLs; while, in the longevous population of São Paulo, having a worse self-rated health may contribute to disability for IADLs.

Regional differences regarding the occurrence of falls and associated factors in two populations of Brazilian longevous people.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored regional asymmetries and their implications for health policies regarding episodes of falls among the population of ≥80 years old in continental and developing countries like Brazil with deep inequalities and sociocultural differences. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of falls and their association with functional capacity and nutritional status in the longest oldest-old living in two municipalities in the Northeast and Southeast of Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, with primary data collection in which were included in the research seniors aged 80 years or more, of both sexes, belonging to two Brazilian municipalities of discrepant socioeconomic aspects. The dependent variable was the occurrence of falls in the last year. The independent variables were grouped into demographic aspects, functional capacity and nutritional status. To identify variables that contribute to the occurrence of falls, the multiple logistic regression model, adopts a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 415 oldest-old adults. From the total, 32.3% reported having fallen in the last year, 24.7% in Brejo dos Santos and 37.8% in São Paulo. Among the former population, the mean value of walking speed for those who had falls was 0.27 m/s and for those who had no occurrence of falls was 0.33 m/s; and, among the seniors from São Paulo, the mean values were 0.51 m/s and 0.58 m/s, respectively. Significant correlations between walking speed and falls were verified for both populations, showing that the lower the walking speed, the higher the predisposition to falls. In the final regression model, the occurrence of falls was associated with moderate balance (OR = 5.28; CI: 1.11-25.18) among the longevous people Brejo dos Santos and with very poor functional performance (OR = 16.09; CI:1.46-177.06) among those from São Paulo. CONCLUSION: The results pointed out a lower prevalence of falls in longevous people from Brejo dos Santos than in those from São Paulo and differences regarding the associated factors, showing heterogeneity between the two populations; indicating the need for public policies and effective programmes aimed at preventing falls based on the maintenance or increase of functional capacity.

Difficulties in accessing health services among the elderly in the city of São Paulo-Brazil.

To identify difficulties in accessing health services by the elderly in the city of São Paulo/Brazil and the contributory factors that reflect inequalities. This is a cross-sectional study that used data from the Health, Well-being and Aging Study (SABE). The population is composed of elderly ≥ 60 years old, of both sexes, living in the urban area of São Paulo. For this analysis, we used data from the 2015 cohort of the SABE study, containing a sample of 1,221 individuals. The proportions of access difficulty and, through logistic regression, the associated factors were verified, based on Andersen's Behavioral Model, which considers factors of predisposition, enabling and need as individual determinants of access to health care. It was observed that 37.0% of the elderly reported difficulty accessing health services when they needed it. This difficulty was greatest among females (42.3%), aged 60 to 69 years (40.9%), black race/color (58.8%), illiterate (44.5%), single/separated/divorced (44.3%), with income slower than one salary minimum (46.8%), without health insurance (51.9%), with poor/very poor self-assessment of health (54.7%), with multimorbidity (40.1%), frail (47.2%) and among those who used polypharmacy (40.8%). After multivariate analysis, in the final model, there was a positive association between difficulty of access and predisposing factors (female gender, age group 60 to 69 years, black race/color, illiterate), enabling factors (possession of health insurance) and need factors (regular and poor/very poor self-assessment of health and pre-fragility and frailty condition). The presence of difficulty in access associated with predisposing, enabling and need factors reflect the existence of inequalities caused by barriers that point to weaknesses in the organization of services. The identification of these barriers that hinder access highlights important points that can have an impact on the equity and resolution of care.

Factors related to the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs in quilombola elderly people. / Fatores relacionados à capacidade física de membros superiores e inferiores de idosos quilombolas.

This paper aimed to assess the factors related to the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs in quilombola older adults. This is a cross-sectional, analytic study performed with elderly residents in the quilombola community Caiana dos Crioulos, Alagoa Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. The researched dependent variables were the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs. It was performed the Spearman correlation and multiple and linear simple regression (95% CI; p<0.05). This work was performed per Resolution 466/2012 from National Health Council. Forty-three older adults were assessed. The bivariate analyses showed a positive correlation between handgrip strength (HGS) and physical activity (PA), between HGS and arm muscle circumference (AMC), and an inverse correlation between Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and age. The multiple-model for HGS was significantly correlated with age, AMC, and years of study (R2=0.374; p<0.05). Regarding the SPPB, it showed a significant correlation with age (R2=0.2524; p=0.001). Therefore, the muscle mass reserve, years of study, and age were factors related to the physical capacity among quilombola older adults. The strict compliance of these aspects and the early intervention can preserve physical capacity and ensure the productive inclusion and economic autonomy so much sought in the communities' social agenda.

Objetivou-se avaliar os fatores relacionados à capacidade física de membros superiores e inferiores em idosos quilombolas. Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com a população idosa residente na comunidade quilombola Caiana dos Crioulos, Alagoa Grande, estado da Paraíba. As variáveis dependentes investigadas foram capacidade física de membros superiores e de membros inferiores. Foi realizada correlação de Spearman e regressão linear simples e múltipla (IC95%; p<0,05). O estudo foi realizado em conformidade com a Resolução 466/2012 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde do Ministério da Saúde. Foram avaliados 43 idosos. A análise bivariada mostrou correlação positiva entre FPM e PAF; entre FPM e CMB e correlação inversa entre a SPPB e a idade. O modelo múltiplo para FPM mostrou correlação significativa com a idade, CMB e anos de estudo (R2=0,374; p<0,05). Para a SPPB mostrou correlação significativa com a idade (R2=0,2524; p=0,001). Assim, a reserva de massa muscular, anos de estudo e idade foram fatores relacionados à capacidade física entre os idosos quilombolas. A observância criteriosa destes aspectos e a intervenção precoce podem preservar a capacidade física e garantir a inclusão produtiva e a autonomia econômica tão pleiteada na agenda social das comunidades.

Socioeconomic Factors and Health Status Disparities Associated with Difficulty in ADLs and IADLs among Long-Lived Populations in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors, health status, and Functional Capacity (FC) in the oldest senior citizens in a metropolis and a poor rural region of Brazil. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 417 seniors aged ≥80 years, data collected through Brazil's Health, Well-being and Aging survey. FC assessed by self-reporting of difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using "R" statistical software. RESULTS: Socioeconomic and demographic inequalities in Brazil can influence FC in seniors aged 80 years and older. Comparatively, urban long-lived people had a higher prevalence of difficulties for ADLs and rural ones showed more difficulties for IADLs. Among urban oldest seniors, female gender and lower-income were correlated with difficulties for IADLs. Among rural oldest seniors, female gender, stroke, joint disease, and inadequate weight independently were correlated with difficulties for ADLs, while the number of chronic diseases was associated with difficulties for IADLs. CONCLUSION: Financial constraints may favor the development of functional limitations among older seniors in large urban centers. In poor rural areas, inadequate nutritional status and chronic diseases may increase their susceptibility to functional decline.

[Validity and concordance of self-reported diabetes mellitus by the elderly]. / Validade e concordância do diabetes mellitus referido em idosos.

The scope of this study was to verify the validity and concordance of self-reported diabetes (DM) by the elderly in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba. It involved a cross-sectional home-based study, conducted with 362 elderly people aged 60 years of age and above registered in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) Program in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba. A sensitivity calculation, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) in relation to demographic and socioeconomic variables was carried out to verify the validity and reliability of self-reported DM. The Kappa test was used to verify the concordance between the diagnosis and the reporting of the disease. Among the study participants, 67.4% were women. The prevalence of diagnosed DM of 14.1% and self-reported DM of 18.1% was observed Moderate sensitivity (58.8%), excellent specificity (87.8%), moderate PPV (44.8%) and excellent NPV (92.7%), and moderate concordance of self-reported DM (Kappa = 0.413 p < 0.001) was observed. In this study, due to moderate validity and concordance of self-reported DM among the elderly, it is considered not to be advisable that self-reported DM should be used as a disease prevalence indicator in the population studied.

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a validade e a concordância do relato de diabetes mellitus (DM) na população idosa do município de Campina Grande/PB. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, domiciliar, realizado com 362 idosos de 60 anos ou mais de idade cadastrados na Estratégia Saúde da Família do município de Campina Grande/PB. Para verificar a validade e confiabilidade do relato foi realizado o cálculo de sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) em relação às variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. Utilizou-se o teste Kappa para verificar a concordância entre o diagnóstico e o relato da doença. Entre os participantes deste estudo, 67,4% eram mulheres. Foi verificada prevalência de DM diagnosticado de 14,1% e de DM referido de 18,1%. Foi observada moderada sensibilidade (58,8%), excelente especificidade (87,8%), moderado VPP (44,8%) e excelente VPN (92,7%), além de concordância moderada do relato de DM (Kappa = 0,413; p < 0,001). Observou-se neste estudo que devido à moderada validade e concordância do relato do DM entre os idosos, não é aconselhável que o DM referido seja utilizado como indicador de prevalência da doença na população estudada.

[Accessibility to Basic Family Health Units from the perspective of the elderly]. / Acessibilidade às Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família na perspectiva de idosos.

This article aims to evaluate accessibility to health services from the perspective of the elderly in a city of Northeast Brazil. Socioeconomic and demographic data were collected, and the organizational, socio-cultural and economic accessibility to services offered by the Family Health Strategy (FHS) was assessed. A validated instrument adapted for the elderly population was used to assess the FHS by users in cities in Paraíba. The association of socioeconomic and demographic variables with accessibility was assessed. For organizational accessibility, the elderly of lower economic classes were more likely to give a positive evaluation regarding the opening hours for care, and less likely to give a positive assessment in relation to the amount of people attended per day and the ease to obtain medication. Women were more likely to positively evaluate the consultation with experts (economic accessibility). The evaluation of the elderly shows the existence of barriers, especially in organizational accessibility, which still persist regarding the demand and use of health services.

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a acessibilidade às Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família na perspectiva dos idosos em um município do Nordeste brasileiro. Foram coletadas informações socioeconômicas e demográficas dos idosos e sua avaliação acerca da acessibilidade (organizacional, sociocultural e econômica) aos serviços oferecidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Utilizou-se instrumento validado para avaliar a ESF pelos usuários em municípios paraibanos, o qual foi adaptado à população de idosos. Foi analisada a associação das variáveis socioeconômicas e demográficas com a avaliação da acessibilidade. Para a acessibilidade organizacional, idosos das classes econômicas inferiores apresentaram maior chance de emitir avaliação positiva aos horários de atendimento, e menor chance de avaliação positiva em relação à quantidade de atendimentos por dia e à facilidade em receber medicamentos. As mulheres apresentaram maior chance de avaliar positivamente a consulta com especialistas (acessibilidade econômica). A avaliação dos idosos mostra a existência de barreiras, principalmente na acessibilidade organizacional, que ainda persistem para a procura e a utilização dos serviços.

The quality of life of health professionals working in the prison system. / Qualidade de vida no trabalho dos profissionais de saúde no sistema prisional.

This study aimed to evaluate the Quality of Work Life (QWL) of health professionals in prisons and identify QWL-associated factors. This is an exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional survey conducted in five prisons. The study included 29 health professionals, who answered the TQWL-42 questionnaire. Results were obtained through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions. QWL was higher among women, younger workers, professionals with incomplete higher education or who have been working at the prison for 4 to 6 years. QWL overall assessment was 69.55 points. We observed that variables gender and education and biological/physiological and environmental/organizational spheres are associated with the overall assessment of QWL.

[Prevalence of anemia and correlation between the concentration of hemoglobin and cognitive factors among the elderly]. / Prevalência de anemia e correlação da concentração de hemoglobina com fatores cognitivos em idosos.

The scope of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and the correlation between the concentration of hemoglobin and cognitive factors in an elderly population group resident in Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil. It was a cross-sectional study with individuals aged 60 or older. Men with hemoglobin levels <13 g / dL and women with levels <12 g / dL were considered anemic. Sociodemographic, cognitive condition and nutritional status variables were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by means of simple and multiple linear regression. Among the 360 elderly patients evaluated (67.2% women), the prevalence of anemia was 12.5%. The average concentration of hemoglobin found was 13.5 g / dL and was correlated to sex variables (ß = -0.44, 95% CI: -1.35, -0.85), age (ß = -0.14 ; 95% CI: -0.03, -0.01), nutritional status (ß = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.06), memory impairment (ß = 0.12; 95% CI: - 0.06, -0.01), and dementia (ß = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.06, -0.01). Routine blood testing among the elderly makes it possible to detect and treat anemia at an early stage. Actions geared towards the elderly who show a cognitive decline should be developed in the Basic Family Health Units in order to improve the quality of life of this population.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de anemia e a correlação da concentração de hemoglobina com fatores cognitivos em população idosa residente em Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal com indivíduos de 60 anos de idade ou mais. Foram considerados anêmicos os indivíduos do sexo masculino que apresentaram concentração de hemoglobina < 13 g/dL e do feminino que apresentaram concentrações < 12 g/dL. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas, condição cognitiva e estado nutricional. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio da regressão linear simples e múltipla. Foram avaliados 360 idosos (67,2% mulheres), cuja prevalência de anemia foi de 12,5%. A concentração média de hemoglobina verificada foi de 13,5 g/dL e esteve correlacionada às variáveis sexo (ß = -0,44; IC95%: -1,35;-0,85), idade (ß = -0,14; IC95%: -0,03;-0,01), estado nutricional (ß = 0,16; IC95%: 0,01;0,06), comprometimento de memória (ß = 0,12; IC95%: -0,06;-0,01), e demência (ß = -0,13; IC95%: -0,06;-0,01). A realização rotineira do hemograma dos idosos proporciona identificar e tratar precocemente a anemia. Ações voltadas para os idosos que apresentam declínio cognitivo devem ser desenvolvidas nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família, a fim de melhorar a qualidade de vida desta população.

[Trends in body fat and muscle mass among elderly individuals in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil]. / Perfil dos indicadores de gordura e massa muscular corporal dos idosos de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil.

The aim of this study was to describe trends in body fat and muscle mass among elderly individuals in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil. This was a population-based, cross-sectional, household survey of elderly individuals (> 60 years) (n = 483) in Fortaleza. The variables analyzed were: triceps skinfold thickness (TST), upper arm fat area (UFA), mid upper arm circumference (MAC), arm muscle circumference (AMC), arm muscle area (AMA), and corrected arm muscle area (CAMA). Mean TST and UFA were significantly higher in women than men (p < 0.05). Mean AMC, AMA, and CAMA were higher in men than women (p < 0.05). For all the variables, the mean and 50th percentile decreased with age, except the TST percentile for women. Anthropometric and body composition patterns in the elderly in this study showed similar trends to those of other studies, but with different values. The values could thus be useful as references for the elderly in Fortaleza.

[The association between cognition and handgrip strength among the elderly: an integrative review]. / Associação entre cognição e força de preensão manual em idosos: revisão integrativa.

The objective of this study is to identify researches that associated cognition and handgrip strength among the elderly. This is a bibliographic review, based on an integrative approach of articles published in the last five years, indexed in the PubMed, Lilacs and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were: observational or experimental studies with a sample of elderly people (aged 60 years or more); assessment of muscular strength using a manual dynamometer; seniors who had at least one cognitive assessment instrument. At the end of the search 10 articles were selected to examine cognitive function and statistical results in the sample. It was observed that most of the research was conducted among the elderly aged over 75 and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was identified as the scale most commonly used for global cognitive assessment. A significant association was identified between alterations in cognition and reduction of handgrip strength (HGS) in 90% of the articles included in this study. Results of this review suggest the influence of cognitive impairment on the muscular strength of the elderly, which can affect aspects of their functional capacity and consequent dependence.

[Characterization of anthropometric assessment studies of Brazilian children attending daycare centers]. / Caracterização dos estudos de avaliação antropométrica de crianças brasileiras assistidas em creches.

OBJECTIVE: To obatin an overview of available information on the anthropometric assessment of Brazilian children attending daycare centers. DATA SOURCE: A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases of studies published from 1990 to 2013 in Portuguese and English languages. The following search strategy was used: (nutritional status OR anthropometrics OR malnutrition OR overweight) AND daycare centers, as well as the equivalent terms in Portuguese. In the case of MEDLINE search, the descriptor Brazil was also used. DATA SYNTHESIS: It was verified that the 33 studies included in the review were comparable from a methodological point of view. The studies, in general, were characterized by their restrictive nature, geographical concentration and dispersion of results in relation to time. Considering the studies published from 2010 onwards, low prevalence of acute malnutrition and significant rates of stunting and overweight were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations, considering the most recent studies that used the WHO growth curves (2006), it is suggested that the anthropometric profile of Brazilian children attending daycare centers is characterized by a nutritional transition process, with significant prevalence of overweight and short stature. We emphasize the need to develop a multicenter survey that will more accurately define the current anthropometric nutritional status of Brazilian children attending daycare centers.

[Factors associated with linear growth of socially vulnerable children of the State of Paraíba, Brazil]. / Fatores associados ao crescimento linear de crianças socialmente vulneráveis do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil.

This study set out to examine the associated factors, including zinc deficiency, of stunting in children attended in daycare centers in the State of Paraíba. It is a cross-sectional study, involving 353 children aged 6-72 months old. Data on biological characteristics, health situation and socioeconomic conditions of children were obtained by a questionnaire. Children with height for age indices two z scores below the median value of the reference population were considered to be stunted. The level of zinc in hair was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The prevalence of stunting was 7.36%. Low birth weight, age range 6-36 months, incomplete immunization, low maternal weight, per capita income of less than 0.5 minimum wages and living in a given/donated or invaded house were significantly associated with height for age index deficit. Stunted children were more prone to zinc deficiency, however, without statistical difference with normal growth children. Thus, there is a clear differential in linear growth that favors the children of higher socioeconomic status and favorable maternal history and health.

Functional disability: health conditions and physical activity practice in older adults. / Incapacidade funcional: condições de saúde e prática de atividade física em idosos.

OBJECTIVE:: to verify the prevalence of functional disability among older adults and how it can affect their health conditions and the regular practice of physical activities. METHOD:: this is a household and cross-sectional study conducted with older adults of both sexes. We verified the variables associated with functional disability by Poisson's regression. RESULTS:: around 420 older adults participated in this study (68.1% of them being women). We observed a statistically significant association between functional disability, the number of chronic diseases, self-assessed health conditions, and the practice of physical activities; the latter only being found among men. Older adults who reported presenting four or more chronic diseases, self-assessed their health conditions as poor, and were not used to practice physical activities, showing high prevalence of functional disability. CONCLUSION:: considering the changeable character of these variables, we recommend that prevention actions be taken, mainly at primary level, to delay the emergence of disability.

Fatores relacionados à capacidade física de membros superiores e inferiores de idosos quilombolas / Factors related to the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs in quilombola elderly people

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar os fatores relacionados à capacidade física de membros superiores e inferiores em idosos quilombolas. Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com a população idosa residente na comunidade quilombola Caiana dos Crioulos, Alagoa Grande, estado da Paraíba. As variáveis dependentes investigadas foram capacidade física de membros superiores e de membros inferiores. Foi realizada correlação de Spearman e regressão linear simples e múltipla (IC95%; p<0,05). O estudo foi realizado em conformidade com a Resolução 466/2012 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde do Ministério da Saúde. Foram avaliados 43 idosos. A análise bivariada mostrou correlação positiva entre FPM e PAF; entre FPM e CMB e correlação inversa entre a SPPB e a idade. O modelo múltiplo para FPM mostrou correlação significativa com a idade, CMB e anos de estudo (R2=0,374; p<0,05). Para a SPPB mostrou correlação significativa com a idade (R2=0,2524; p=0,001). Assim, a reserva de massa muscular, anos de estudo e idade foram fatores relacionados à capacidade física entre os idosos quilombolas. A observância criteriosa destes aspectos e a intervenção precoce podem preservar a capacidade física e garantir a inclusão produtiva e a autonomia econômica tão pleiteada na agenda social das comunidades.

Abstract This paper aimed to assess the factors related to the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs in quilombola older adults. This is a cross-sectional, analytic study performed with elderly residents in the quilombola community Caiana dos Crioulos, Alagoa Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. The researched dependent variables were the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs. It was performed the Spearman correlation and multiple and linear simple regression (95% CI; p<0.05). This work was performed per Resolution 466/2012 from National Health Council. Forty-three older adults were assessed. The bivariate analyses showed a positive correlation between handgrip strength (HGS) and physical activity (PA), between HGS and arm muscle circumference (AMC), and an inverse correlation between Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and age. The multiple-model for HGS was significantly correlated with age, AMC, and years of study (R2=0.374; p<0.05). Regarding the SPPB, it showed a significant correlation with age (R2=0.2524; p=0.001). Therefore, the muscle mass reserve, years of study, and age were factors related to the physical capacity among quilombola older adults. The strict compliance of these aspects and the early intervention can preserve physical capacity and ensure the productive inclusion and economic autonomy so much sought in the communities' social agenda.

[Anthropometry of elderly people living in geriatric institutions, Brazil]. / Antropometria de idosos residentes em instituições geriátricas, Fortaleza, CE.

OBJECTIVE: To provide anthropometric and body composition information on elderly people living in geriatric institutions. METHODS: Three-hundred and five elderly people, of both sexes, living in six geriatric institutions in Fortaleza were assessed. The following anthropometric variables were studied: weight, height, body mass index, mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, arm muscle circumference, and corrected arm-muscle area. The body mass index was calculated as weight divided by the square of the height (m2). The arm muscle circumference and corrected arm-muscle area were calculated using specific equations. The results are presented as means, standard deviations and percentiles (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th). The analyses included Student t-test to detect differences in mean values of the variables between both sexes. Age impact was investigated by ANOVA. RESULTS: In all variables, mean values in men were higher than those in women, except for triceps skinfold thickness . The mean difference of the variables body mass index and mid-arm circumference for both sexes were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Age has significantly contributed to reducing the variables' values. This means that specific reference standards are needed for elderly people. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being institutionalized, there was seen a trend of decreasing anthropometric values in the study population similar to that found in other studies of elderly people but with different values. Thereby, such values could be useful in the nutritional assessment of institutionalized elderly people.

[Food Frequency Questionnaire developed and validated for the Brazilian population: a review of the literature]. / Questionários de Frequência de Consumo Alimentar desenvolvidos e validados para população do Brasil: revisão da literatura.

Assessing food intake is a challenge for researchers given the inherent complexity of the issue. One of the methods used in epidemiological studies is the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The scope of this paper was to identify studies that developed and/or validated the FFQ in Brazil, analyzing the methods used and the main results of the validation. The PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases were researched for studies published prior to 2013 on the development and validation of the FFQ in Brazil. These studies were analyzed according to: i) the main methodological characteristics of the elaboration/validation process of the questionnaires; ii) the key results related to validation. Forty-one studies were assessed: 6 on the development of the FFQ; 18 on the development and validation of the FFQ; 17 on the validation of the FFQ. There were inter-regional differences in the publications and methodological differences in the elaboration and validation of the FFQ. Adults and adolescents were the groups most covered for the validation of the FFQ, though specific studies for children < 5 years of age were not found. The methodological rigor and statistical results guarantee the suitability of the validation of the FFQ for the target populations, with high correlations for energy, carbohydrates, fibers, calcium and vitamin C.

Physical performance and its association with anthropometric and body composition variables in the elderly.

The aging process leads to biological changes that affect the physical performance and nutritional status of older adults. The objective this study is to determine the association between physical performance and anthropometric and body composition variables in the elderly. This is a cross-sectional study. Were assessed: sex, age, handgrip strength (HGS), flexibility/mobility, balance, body mass index, waist and calf circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, arm fat area and arm muscle circumference. Multiple logistic regression was used (p<0.05). Overall, 420 elderly were evaluated. Malnourished individuals were more likely to show poor HGS. Elderly aged 70-79 years, 80 years or older and those malnourished were more likely to show poor balance. Older women were less likely to show poor flexibility/mobility. We conclude that lowercalf circumferencewas associatedwithworse performance inHGSand balance.The ageincreased the chanceof the elderlypresentinstability.The flexibility/mobilitydoesn't seem tobe influenced bychanges in body composition. Therefore, these resultsmay beimportantguidingspecific actionsto ensurehealthy aging.

Functional disability and socioeconomic and demographic factors in elderly.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the prevalence of functional disability and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors in elderly patients of Campina Grande/PB. METHOD: cross-sectional study with elderly patients of both genders. The variables associated with functional disability were assessed using Poisson regression. RESULTS: A total of 420 elderly patients were included (68.1% women). The highest prevalence of functional disability were found among females aged 80 or older, white, widowed, of economic classes D/E , who lived alone, with frequency of contacts of up to 224 people and diversity of contacts of up to 14 people. After multivariate analysis, statistically significant association was observed between functional disability, gender and age group. CONCLUSION: the association between functional disability gender and age group is shown to be an important guidance for health interventions since it will allow health services to plan actions aiming to improve, maintain or restore the functional capacity of the elderly population.