[Differences between men and women in the prevalence of frailty and associated factors among older adults: evidence from ELSI-Brazil]. / Diferenças entre homens e mulheres na prevalência da fragilidade e fatores associados entre adultos mais velhos: evidências do ELSI-Brasil.

Based on a national representative sample of the population aged 50 years or older, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of frailty among men and women, identify associated sociodemographic and health factors, and estimate the population attributable fraction. Data from the second wave (2019-2021) of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) were used. Frailty was classified based on the number of positive items among unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low level of physical activity, slow gait, and weakness. The main analyses were based on multinomial logistic regression stratified by sex. The prevalence of frailty was lower in men (8.6%; 95%CI: 6.9; 10.7) than in women (11.9%; 95%CI: 9.6; 14.8), with the most frequent item being the low level of physical activity in both. Age and schooling level were the sociodemographic factors associated with pre-frailty and fragility among men and women. The population attributable fraction was different for frailty between genders. In men, the highest population attributable fraction was due to not having a partner (23.5%; 95%CI: 7.7; 39.2) and low schooling level (18.2%; 95%CI: 6.6; 29,7). In women, higher population attributable fraction values were due to memory deficit (17.1%; 95%CI: 7.6; 26.6), vision deficit (13.4%; 95%CI: 5.1; 21.7), and diabetes mellitus (11.4%; 95%CI: 4.6; 18,1). Similar population attributable fraction levels were observed for heart disease (8.9%; 95%CI: 3.8; 14.1 in women and 8.8%; 95%CI: 2.0; 15.6 in men). Strategies aimed at physical activity have the potential to prevent frailty in both men and women, and the prevention of chronic conditions is more important in women.

Este trabalho, baseado em amostra nacional representativa da população com 50 anos ou mais, objetivou estimar a prevalência da fragilidade entre homens e mulheres, identificar fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde associados e estimar a fração atribuível populacional. Foram utilizados dados da segunda onda (2019-2021) do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil). A fragilidade foi classificada pelo número de itens positivos entre perda de peso não intencional, exaustão, baixo nível de atividade física, lentidão da marcha e fraqueza. As análises principais foram baseadas na regressão logística multinomial estratificada por sexo. A prevalência da fragilidade foi menor nos homens (8,6%; IC95%: 6,9; 10,7) do que nas mulheres (11,9%; IC95%: 9,6; 14,8), sendo o item mais frequente o baixo nível de atividade física em ambos. A idade e a escolaridade foram os fatores sociodemográficos associados à pré-fragilidade e à fragilidade entre homens e mulheres. Houve diferença da fração atribuível populacional para fragilidade entre os sexos. Nos homens, a maior fração atribuível populacional foi para não ter companheiro (23,5%; IC95%: 7,7; 39,2) e escolaridade baixa (18,2%; IC95%: 6,6; 29,7). Nas mulheres, maiores frações atribuíveis populacionais foram para déficit de memória (17,1%; IC95%: 7,6; 26,6), déficit da visão (13,4%; IC95%: 5,1; 21,7) e diabetes mellitus (11,4%; IC95%: 4,6; 18,1). Observou-se fração atribuível populacional semelhante para doença cardíaca (8,9%; IC95%: 3,8; 14,1, em mulheres; e 8,8%; IC95%: 2,0; 15,6, em homens). Estratégias voltadas para a prática de atividade física têm o potencial de prevenir a fragilidade em ambos os sexos, enquanto a prevenção de condições crônicas é mais importante nas mulheres.

Este estudio tuvo por objetivo estimar, utilizando una muestra nacional representativa de la población de 50 años o más, la prevalencia de la fragilidad entre hombres y mujeres, identificar los factores sociodemográficos y de salud asociados, y calcular la fracción atribuible a la población. Se utilizaron datos de la 2ª ola (2019-2021) del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud de los Ancianos Brasileños (ELSI-Brasil). La fragilidad se clasificó por el número de elementos positivos entre pérdida de peso no intencional, agotamiento, bajo nivel de actividad física, marcha lenta y debilidad. Los principales análisis se basaron en la regresión logística multinomial estratificada por sexo. La prevalencia de fragilidad fue menor en los hombres (8,6%; IC95%: 6,9; 10,7) que en las mujeres (11,9%; IC95%: 9,6; 14,8), y como ítem más frecuente el bajo nivel de actividad física en ambos. La edad y el nivel educativo fueron los factores sociodemográficos asociados a la pre-fragilidad y la fragilidad entre hombres y mujeres. Hubo una diferencia en fracción atribuible a la población para la fragilidad entre los sexos. Entre los hombres, la fracción atribuible a la población más elevada fue no tener pareja (23,5%; IC95%: 7,7; 39,2) y bajo nivel educativo (18,2%; IC95%: 6,6; 29,7). Entre las mujeres, las fracción atribuible a la población más elevadas fueron déficit de memoria (17,1%; IC95%: 7,6; 26,6), déficit de visión (13,4%; IC95%: 5,1; 21,7) y diabetes mellitus (11,4%; IC95%: 4,6; 18,1). Se observaron fracción atribuible a la población similares para enfermedades cardíacas (8,9%; IC95%: 3,8; 14,1 en mujeres, y 8,8%; IC95%: 2,0; 15,6 en hombres). Las estrategias dirigidas a la actividad física tienen el potencial de prevenir la fragilidad en ambos sexos, mientras que la prevención de enfermedades crónicas es más necesaria en las mujeres.

[Frailty in elderly individuals and perception of problems in indicators of attributes of primary healthcare: results of the ELSI-Brasil]. / Fragilidade entre idosos e percepção de problemas em indicadores de atributos da atenção primária à saúde: resultados do ELSI-Brasil.

This study aimed to examine the association between frailty syndrome and the perception of problems in indicators of attributes in primary healthcare (PHC) among elderly Brazilians. This was a cross-sectional study with 5,432 participants 60 years or older in the first wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brasil), conducted in 2015 and 2016. Frailty, the independent variable, was defined according to the theoretical framework of the frailty phenotype, and the indicators of problems in PHC attributes, the dependent variables, were obtained from questions related to health services use. Access, longitudinal care, coordination, comprehensiveness, family orientation, and cultural adequacy were the target attributes. For the data analysis, logistic regression models were used, adjusted for predisposing, enabling, and need factors for use of health services. Among the participants, 55.1% were females, 57.9% were 60 to 69 years of age, and 51.8% reported multimorbidity. Frail and pre-frail elders accounted for 13.4% and 54.5% of the sample, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that frail elders (compared to robust elders) showed higher odds of reporting problems with access (OR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.08-1.93), longitudinal care (OR = 1.54; 95%CI: 1.19-2.00), and comprehensive care (OR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.14-1.85), in addition to more problems with attributes of PHC (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.05-1.82, for 5 or more). The study suggests the occurrence of inequities in the care provided by Brazilian PHC for frail elders, particularly in the attributes of access, longitudinal care, and comprehensiveness.

O presente trabalho objetivou examinar a associação entre a síndrome de fragilidade e a percepção de problemas em indicadores de atributos da atenção primária à saúde (APS) entre idosos brasileiros. É um estudo transversal envolvendo 5.432 participantes, com 60 anos ou mais, da primeira onda do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil), realizado entre 2015 e 2016. A fragilidade, variável independente, foi definida com base no marco teórico do fenótipo de fragilidade, e os indicadores de problemas em atributos da APS, variáveis dependentes, foram obtidos baseando-se em perguntas relacionadas ao uso de serviços de saúde. Acesso, longitudinalidade, coordenação, integralidade, orientação familiar e adequação cultural foram os atributos avaliados. Utilizou-se modelos de regressão logística ajustados por fatores predisponentes, facilitadores e de necessidade de uso de serviços de saúde para a análise dos dados. Entre os participantes, 55,1% eram do sexo feminino, 57,9% tinham entre 60 e 69 anos e 51,8% referiram multimorbidade. Idosos frágeis e pré-frágeis representaram 13,4% e 54,5% da amostra, respectivamente. Resultados da análise multivariada mostraram que os idosos frágeis em comparação com os robustos apresentaram mais chances de apontar problemas de acesso (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,08-1,93), longitudinalidade (OR = 1,54; IC95%: 1,19-2,00) e integralidade (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,14-1,85), além de maior número de problemas em atributos da APS (OR = 1,38; IC95%: 1,05-1,82, para 5 ou mais). O estudo sugere a ocorrência de iniquidades na assistência prestada pela APS brasileira aos idosos frágeis, particularmente no âmbito dos atributos acesso, longitudinalidade e integralidade.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue examinar la asociación entre el síndrome de fragilidad y la percepción de problemas en indicadores de atributos de la atención primaria a la salud (APS) entre ancianos brasileños. Se trata de un estudio transversal implicando a 5.432 participantes, con 60 años o más, del primer grupo del Estudio Longitudinal de la Salud entre Ancianos Brasileños (ELSI-Brasil), realizado entre 2015 y 2016. La fragilidad -variable independiente- fue definida a partir del marco teórico del fenotipo de fragilidad, y los indicadores de problemas en atributos de la APS, variables dependientes, se obtuvieron a partir de preguntas relacionadas con el uso de servicios de salud. Acceso, longitudinalidad, coordinación, integralidad, orientación familiar y adecuación cultural fueron los atributos evaluados. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística ajustados por factores predisponentes, facilitadores, y de necesidad de uso de servicios de salud para análisis de datos. Entre los participantes, un 55,1% eran de sexo femenino, un 57,9% tenían entre 60 y 69 años y un 51,8% informaron de multimorbilidad. Los ancianos frágiles y prefrágiles representaron un 13,4% y un 54,5% de la muestra, respectivamente. Los resultados del análisis multivariado mostraron que los ancianos frágiles, en comparación con los fuertes, tuvieron más oportunidades de apuntar problemas de acceso (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,08-1,93), longitudinalidad (OR = 1,54; IC95%: 1,19-2,00) e integralidad (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,14-1,85), además de un mayor número de problemas en atributos de la APS (OR = 1,38; IC95%: 1,05-1,82, para 5 o más). El estudio sugiere la ocurrencia de inequidades en la asistencia prestada por la APS brasileña a ancianos frágiles, particularmente en el ámbito de los atributos acceso, longitudinalidad e integralidad.

Fragilidade entre idosos e percepção de problemas em indicadores de atributos da atenção primária à saúde: resultados do ELSI-Brasil / Frailty in elderly individuals and perception of problems in indicators of attributes of primary healthcare: results of the ELSI-Brasil / Fragilidad entre ancianos y percepción de problemas en indicadores de atributos de la atención primaria en salud: resultados del ELSI-Brasil

O presente trabalho objetivou examinar a associação entre a síndrome de fragilidade e a percepção de problemas em indicadores de atributos da atenção primária à saúde (APS) entre idosos brasileiros. É um estudo transversal envolvendo 5.432 participantes, com 60 anos ou mais, da primeira onda do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil), realizado entre 2015 e 2016. A fragilidade, variável independente, foi definida com base no marco teórico do fenótipo de fragilidade, e os indicadores de problemas em atributos da APS, variáveis dependentes, foram obtidos baseando-se em perguntas relacionadas ao uso de serviços de saúde. Acesso, longitudinalidade, coordenação, integralidade, orientação familiar e adequação cultural foram os atributos avaliados. Utilizou-se modelos de regressão logística ajustados por fatores predisponentes, facilitadores e de necessidade de uso de serviços de saúde para a análise dos dados. Entre os participantes, 55,1% eram do sexo feminino, 57,9% tinham entre 60 e 69 anos e 51,8% referiram multimorbidade. Idosos frágeis e pré-frágeis representaram 13,4% e 54,5% da amostra, respectivamente. Resultados da análise multivariada mostraram que os idosos frágeis em comparação com os robustos apresentaram mais chances de apontar problemas de acesso (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,08-1,93), longitudinalidade (OR = 1,54; IC95%: 1,19-2,00) e integralidade (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,14-1,85), além de maior número de problemas em atributos da APS (OR = 1,38; IC95%: 1,05-1,82, para 5 ou mais). O estudo sugere a ocorrência de iniquidades na assistência prestada pela APS brasileira aos idosos frágeis, particularmente no âmbito dos atributos acesso, longitudinalidade e integralidade.

This study aimed to examine the association between frailty syndrome and the perception of problems in indicators of attributes in primary healthcare (PHC) among elderly Brazilians. This was a cross-sectional study with 5,432 participants 60 years or older in the first wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brasil), conducted in 2015 and 2016. Frailty, the independent variable, was defined according to the theoretical framework of the frailty phenotype, and the indicators of problems in PHC attributes, the dependent variables, were obtained from questions related to health services use. Access, longitudinal care, coordination, comprehensiveness, family orientation, and cultural adequacy were the target attributes. For the data analysis, logistic regression models were used, adjusted for predisposing, enabling, and need factors for use of health services. Among the participants, 55.1% were females, 57.9% were 60 to 69 years of age, and 51.8% reported multimorbidity. Frail and pre-frail elders accounted for 13.4% and 54.5% of the sample, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that frail elders (compared to robust elders) showed higher odds of reporting problems with access (OR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.08-1.93), longitudinal care (OR = 1.54; 95%CI: 1.19-2.00), and comprehensive care (OR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.14-1.85), in addition to more problems with attributes of PHC (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.05-1.82, for 5 or more). The study suggests the occurrence of inequities in the care provided by Brazilian PHC for frail elders, particularly in the attributes of access, longitudinal care, and comprehensiveness.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue examinar la asociación entre el síndrome de fragilidad y la percepción de problemas en indicadores de atributos de la atención primaria a la salud (APS) entre ancianos brasileños. Se trata de un estudio transversal implicando a 5.432 participantes, con 60 años o más, del primer grupo del Estudio Longitudinal de la Salud entre Ancianos Brasileños (ELSI-Brasil), realizado entre 2015 y 2016. La fragilidad -variable independiente- fue definida a partir del marco teórico del fenotipo de fragilidad, y los indicadores de problemas en atributos de la APS, variables dependientes, se obtuvieron a partir de preguntas relacionadas con el uso de servicios de salud. Acceso, longitudinalidad, coordinación, integralidad, orientación familiar y adecuación cultural fueron los atributos evaluados. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística ajustados por factores predisponentes, facilitadores, y de necesidad de uso de servicios de salud para análisis de datos. Entre los participantes, un 55,1% eran de sexo femenino, un 57,9% tenían entre 60 y 69 años y un 51,8% informaron de multimorbilidad. Los ancianos frágiles y prefrágiles representaron un 13,4% y un 54,5% de la muestra, respectivamente. Los resultados del análisis multivariado mostraron que los ancianos frágiles, en comparación con los fuertes, tuvieron más oportunidades de apuntar problemas de acceso (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,08-1,93), longitudinalidad (OR = 1,54; IC95%: 1,19-2,00) e integralidad (OR = 1,45; IC95%: 1,14-1,85), además de un mayor número de problemas en atributos de la APS (OR = 1,38; IC95%: 1,05-1,82, para 5 o más). El estudio sugiere la ocurrencia de inequidades en la asistencia prestada por la APS brasileña a ancianos frágiles, particularmente en el ámbito de los atributos acceso, longitudinalidad e integralidad.

Catastrophic health expenditure and multimorbidity among older adults in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relation between catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and multimorbidity in a national representative sample of the Brazilian population aged 50 year or older. METHODS: This study used data from 8,347 participants of the Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI - Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging) conducted in 2015-2016. The dependent variable was CHE, defined by the ratio between the health expenses of the adult aged 50 years or older and the household income. The variable of interest was multimorbidity (two or more chronic diseases) and the variable used for stratification was the wealth score. The main analyses were based on multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of CHE was 17.9% and 7.5%, for expenditures corresponding to 10 and 25% of the household income, respectively. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 63.2%. Multimorbidity showed positive and independent associations with CHE (OR = 1.95, 95%CI 1.67-2.28, and OR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.11-1.76 for expenditures corresponding to 10% and 25%, respectively). Expenditures associated with multimorbidity were higher among those with lower wealth scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results draw attention to the need for an integrated approach of multimorbidity in health services, in order to avoid CHE, particularly among older adults with worse socioeconomic conditions.

Universal Health Coverage: Are Older Adults Being Left Behind? Evidence From Aging Cohorts In Twenty-Three Countries.

Countries around the world have committed to achieving universal health coverage as part of the Sustainable Development Goals agreed upon by all United Nations members, intended to be achieved by 2030. But important population groups such as older adults are rarely examined as part of Sustainable Development Goals monitoring and evaluation efforts. This study uses recent (2014-16) high-quality, individual-level data from several aging cohorts representing more than 100,000 adults ages fifty and older in twenty-three high- and middle-income countries. After individual characteristics and health needs were controlled for, national rates varied up to tenfold for poor access (no doctor visit) and threefold for potential overutilization (fifteen or more doctor visits and multiple hospitalizations) in the past year. Catastrophic expenditures (25 percent or more of household income spent out of pocket on health care) averaged 9 percent, with the highest rates observed in middle-income countries and among sicker populations in some high-income countries. Strengthening universal health coverage for older adults will require greater tailoring and targeting of benefits to meet this population's health needs while protecting them from catastrophic health expenditures.

[Determinants of paid work among older Brazilians using structural equation modeling: evidence from the ELSI-Brazil study]. / Determinantes do trabalho remunerado entre brasileiros mais velhos usando modelagem de equações estruturais: evidências do ELSI-Brasil.

This study aimed to develop a conceptual model and to explore direct and indirect associations between paid work and life-course factors in a representative national sample of the Brazilian population 50 years and older. The analysis was based on 8,903 participants in the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). The exposure variables were sociodemographic, health, work, and social interaction variables. Based on a structural equation model, paid work showed total association with lifetime social status in women (standardized coefficient - SC = 0.489) and direct association with capacity for work in men (SC = 0.527). For women alone, an indirect and negative association was observed with lifetime intense physical effort at work, via retirement (SC = -0.156). Men with paid work were more prone to social participation, measured by belonging to groups or associations (SC = 0.209). Among women, this participation was through interaction with family and friends (SC = 0.047), via capacity for work. For both men and women, lifetime health status showed an indirect and positive association (SC = 0.298 men; SC = 0.142 women) with paid work, via capacity for work. All the above-mentioned factors showed a significant association with paid work. The study's results showed that participation in the work market occurs by different mechanisms for men and women, principally considering the factors related to work and social interaction.

O objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver um modelo conceitual e explorar associações diretas e indiretas entre trabalho remunerado e fatores que operam ao longo da vida em amostra nacional representativa da população brasileira com 50 anos e mais. A análise foi baseada em 8.903 participantes da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil). Os fatores de exposição foram sociodemográficos, de saúde, trabalho e interação social. Utilizando modelo de equações estruturais, observou-se que o trabalho remunerado apresentou associação total com a condição social ao longo da vida entre mulheres (coeficiente de padronização - CP = 0,489) e associação direta com a capacidade para o trabalho entre homens (CP = 0,527). Apenas para as mulheres, associação indireta e negativa foi observada com o esforço físico intenso no trabalho ao longo da vida, via aposentadoria (CP = -0,156). Homens com trabalho remunerado foram mais propensos à participação social, aferida pelo pertencimento a grupos ou associações (CP = 0,209). Entre as mulheres, essa participação ocorreu por meio de interações com família e amigos (CP = 0,047), via capacidade para o trabalho. Tanto entre homens quanto entre mulheres, a condição de saúde ao longo da vida mostrou associação indireta e positiva (CP = 0,298 homens; CP = 0,142 mulheres) com o trabalho remunerado, via capacidade para o trabalho. Todos os fatores mencionados apresentaram associação significativa com o trabalho remunerado. Os resultados do estudo mostraram que a participação de homens e mulheres mais velhos no mercado de trabalho ocorre por mecanismos diferentes, principalmente ao considerar os fatores relacionados ao trabalho e interação.

El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un modelo conceptual y explorar asociaciones directas e indirectas entre trabajo remunerado y factores que operan a lo largo de la vida, en una muestra nacional representativa de población brasileña con 50 años y más. El análisis se basó en 8.903 participantes procedentes del Estudio Brasileño Longitudinal del Envejecimiento (ELSI-Brasil). Los factores de exposición fueron: sociodemográficos, de salud, trabajo e interacción social. Utilizando un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales, se observó que el trabajo remunerado presentó una asociación total con la condición social a lo largo de la vida entre mujeres (coeficiente de estandarización- CP = 0,489) y asociación directa con la capacidad para el trabajo entre hombres (CP = 0,527). Solamente para las mujeres, la asociación indirecta y negativa se observó con el esfuerzo físico intenso en el trabajo a lo largo de la vida, vía jubilación (CP = -0,156). Hombres con trabajo remunerado fueron más propensos a la participación social, medida por la pertenencia a grupos o asociaciones (CP = 0,209). Entre mujeres, esta participación se produjo mediante interacciones con la familia y amigos (CP = 0,047), vía capacidad para el trabajo. Tanto entre hombres como entre mujeres, la condición de salud a lo largo de la vida mostró una asociación indirecta y positiva (CP = 0,298 hombres; CP = 0,142 mujeres) con el trabajo remunerado, vía capacidad para el trabajo. Todos los factores mencionados presentaron una asociación significativa con el trabajo remunerado. Los resultados del estudio mostraron que la participación en el mercado de trabajo de hombres y mujeres mayores se produce por mecanismos diferentes, principalmente al considerar los factores relacionados con el trabajo e interacción social.

The burden of disease among Brazilian older adults and the challenge for health policies: results of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is the world's fifth most populous nation, and is currently experimenting a fast demographic aging process in a context of scarce resources and social inequalities. To understand the health profile of older adults in Brazil is fundamental for planning public policies. METHODS: The estimates were derived from data obtained through the collaboration between the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation of the University of Washington. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics provided the population estimates. Data on causes of death came from the Mortality Information System. To calculate morbidity, population-based studies on the prevalence of diseases in Brazil were comprehensively searched, in addition to information obtained from national databases such as the Hospital Information System, the Outpatient Information System, and the Injury Information System. We presented the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 estimates among Brazilian older adults (60+ years old) for life expectancy at birth (LE), healthy life expectancy (HALE), cause-specific mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), from 2000 to 2017. RESULTS: LE at birth significantly increased from 71.3 years (95% UI to 70.9-71.8) to 75.2 years (95% UI 74.7-75.7). There was a trend of increasing HALE, from 62.2 years (95% UI 59.54-64.5) to 65.5 years (95% UI 62.6-68.0). The proportion of DALYs among older adults increased from 7.3 to 10.3%. Chronic noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death among middle aged and older adults, while Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause only among older adults. Mood disorders, musculoskeletal pain, and hearing or vision losses are among the leading causes of disability. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in LE and the decrease of the DALYs rates are probably results of the improvement of social conditions and health policies. However, the smaller increase of HALE than LE means that despite living more, people spend a substantial time of their old age with disability and illness. Preventable or potentially controllable diseases are responsible for most of the burden of disease among Brazilian older adults. Health investments are necessary to obtain longevity with quality of life in Brazil.

Risk Score for Predicting 2-Year Mortality in Patients With Chagas Cardiomyopathy From Endemic Areas: SaMi-Trop Cohort Study.

Background Risk stratification of Chagas disease patients in the limited-resource setting would be helpful in crafting management strategies. We developed a score to predict 2-year mortality in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy from remote endemic areas. Methods and Results This study enrolled 1551 patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from the SaMi-Trop cohort (The São Paulo-Minas Gerais Tropical Medicine Research Center). Clinical evaluation, ECG, and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) were performed. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to develop a prediction model based on the key predictors. The end point was all-cause mortality. The patients were classified into 3 risk categories at baseline (low, <2%; intermediate, ≥2% to 10%; high, ≥10%). External validation was performed by applying the score to an independent population with Chagas disease. After 2 years of follow-up, 110 patients died, with an overall mortality rate of 3.505 deaths per 100 person-years. Based on the nomogram, the independent predictors of mortality were assigned points: age (10 points per decade), New York Heart Association functional class higher than I (15 points), heart rate ≥80 beats/min (20 points), QRS duration ≥150 ms (15 points), and abnormal NT-proBNP adjusted by age (55 points). The observed mortality rates in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 0%, 3.6%, and 32.7%, respectively, in the derivation cohort and 3.2%, 8.7%, and 19.1%, respectively, in the validation cohort. The discrimination of the score was good in the development cohort (C statistic: 0.82), and validation cohort (C statistic: 0.71). Conclusions In a large population of patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy, a combination of risk factors accurately predicted early mortality. This helpful simple score could be used in remote areas with limited technological resources.

Influenza vaccine uptake among older adults in Brazil: Socioeconomic equality and the role of preventive policies and public services.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since 1999, influenza vaccine is provided free-of-charge to adults aged 60 years or more in Brazil. Although vaccination coverage is high, previous studies have shown that socioeconomic and lifestyle factors play an essential role in predicting vaccine uptake. This study aimed to investigate whether previous knowledge of factors that constrain influenza vaccine uptake among older adults contributed to increasing the access to vaccination in 2015-16. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed data from the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging. This national representative sample encompassed individuals aged 60 and older (n=5221). Vaccination status was the outcome variable; covariates included socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, health status, and access to healthcare. Logistic regression fitted the association between vaccine uptake and covariates. RESULTS: The coverage of influenza vaccination was 73.0% (95% confidence interval: 70.6-75.2); ranking lower than the goal of 80% set up by the national health authority. The most frequent reasons to justify the option of skipping vaccination were cultural beliefs about the lack of efficacy and possible side effects of the vaccine. The coverage of vaccination did not differ by socioeconomic characteristics. Older individuals, never smokers, having two or more chronic diseases, and being registered in the Family Health Program were positively associated with influenza vaccine uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Absent socioeconomic inequalities point out changes in the barriers to vaccination. These findings provide insights into tailoring public health strategies, targeting professional recommendations and public perceptions of the vaccine.

Catastrophic health expenditure and multimorbidity among older adults in Brazil / Gastos catastróficos em saúde e multimorbidade entre adultos mais velhos no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relation between catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and multimorbidity in a national representative sample of the Brazilian population aged 50 year or older. METHODS: This study used data from 8,347 participants of the Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI - Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging) conducted in 2015-2016. The dependent variable was CHE, defined by the ratio between the health expenses of the adult aged 50 years or older and the household income. The variable of interest was multimorbidity (two or more chronic diseases) and the variable used for stratification was the wealth score. The main analyses were based on multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of CHE was 17.9% and 7.5%, for expenditures corresponding to 10 and 25% of the household income, respectively. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 63.2%. Multimorbidity showed positive and independent associations with CHE (OR = 1.95, 95%CI 1.67-2.28, and OR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.11-1.76 for expenditures corresponding to 10% and 25%, respectively). Expenditures associated with multimorbidity were higher among those with lower wealth scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results draw attention to the need for an integrated approach of multimorbidity in health services, in order to avoid CHE, particularly among older adults with worse socioeconomic conditions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Estimar a relação entre gasto catastrófico em saúde (GCS) e multimorbidade em amostra nacional representativa da população brasileira com 50 anos de idade ou mais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados de 8.347 participantes do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (2015-2016). A variável dependente foi o GCS, definido pela razão entre as despesas com saúde do adulto de 50 anos ou mais e a renda domiciliar. A variável de interesse foi a multimorbidade (duas ou mais doenças crônicas), e a variável utilizada para estratificação foi o escore de riqueza. As principais análises foram baseadas na regressão logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: A prevalçncia de GCS foi de 17,9% e 7,5% para gastos correspondentes a 10% e 25% da renda domiciliar, respectivamente. A prevalçncia da multimorbidade foi de 63,2%. A multimorbidade apresentou associações positivas e independentes com GCS (OR = 1,95, IC95% 1,67-2,28 e OR = 1,40, IC95% 1,11-1,76 para gastos correspondentes a 10% e 25%, respectivamente). Os gastos associados à multimorbidade foram maiores entre aqueles com menor escore de riqueza. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados chamam atenção para a necessidade de uma abordagem integrada da multimorbidade nos serviços de saúde, de forma a evitar os GCS, particularmente entre adultos mais velhos com piores condições socioeconômicas.

A nationwide study on prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia in older adults: ELSI-Brazil / Estudo nacional sobre prevalência da dinapenia e fatores associados em idosos: ELSI-Brasil / Estudio nacional sobre prevalencia de la dinapenia y factores asociados en ancianos: ELSI-Brasil

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia in a nationally representative sample of Brazilians aged 50 years and older. A cross-sectional study was performed with baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). Dynapenia was defined as low muscle strength (< 27kg for men and < 16kg for women). Explanatory variables were sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, health behaviors and physical performance. Analyses were based on multivariate logistic regression and population attributable fractions. Among the 8,396 participants, the prevalence of dynapenia was 17.2% (16.6% among men and 17.7% among women); for those aged 65 years and older, the prevalence was 28.2% (29.1% and 27.5% among men and women, respectively). Dynapenia was positively associated with age, low gait speed, limitations in performing two or more basic daily activities, falls and self-reported chronic diseases; and negatively associated with education level, physical activity and body mass index (overweight/obese, OR = 0.26). Prevalence of dynapenia is high in Brazilian older adults. Educational skills and physical activity improvement present greater potential to reduce dynapenia in this population.

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência da dinapenia e fatores associados em uma amostra nacional representativa de indivíduos com 50 anos ou mais no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo transversal. O presente estudo usou dados da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil). A variável dependente era dinapenia, definida como baixa força muscular (< 27kg para homens e < 16kg para mulheres). Foram incluídas como covariáveis no modelo logístico, as características sociodemográficas estado de saúde, comportamentos relacionados à saúde e desempenho físico. Foram calculadas frações atribuíveis populacionais para os fatores que demonstrassem associação significativa com o desfecho. Foram estudados 8.386 participantes com 50 anos ou mais (53,3% do sexo feminino). A prevalência da dinapenia foi 17,2%, sendo 16,6% nos homens e 17,7% nas mulheres. Entre os indivíduos com 65 anos ou mais, a prevalência foi 28,2% (29,1% nos homens e 27,5% nas mulheres). A presença da dinapenia mostrou associação positiva com idade, velocidade de marcha reduzida, limitação autorrelatada em duas ou mais atividades básicas da vida diária, gênero, quedas, hospitalizações e doenças crônicas. A dinapenia mostrou associação negativa com escolaridade, atividade física e índice de massa corporal (sobrepeso/obesidade, OR = 0,26). Aproximadamente 9% da dinapenia eram atribuíveis a riscos modificáveis. O estudo indica que a dinapenia é prevalente em brasileiros com 50 anos ou mais, e que medidas para melhorar a escolaridade e atividade física têm o maior potencial de reduzir a dinapenia nessa população.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de la dinapenia y factores asociados en una muestra nacional representativa de individuos con 50 años o más en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio transversal. El presente estudio usó datos de referencia del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud de Ancianos Brasileños (ELSI-Brasil por sus siglas en portugués). La variable dependiente era dinapenia, definida como baja fuerza muscular (< 27kg para hombres y < 16kg para mujeres). Se incluyeron como covariables en el modelo logístico las características sociodemográficas: estado de salud, comportamientos relacionados con la salud y desempeño físico. Se calcularon fracciones atribuibles poblacionales para los factores que demostrasen asociación significativa con el resultado. Se estudiaron a 8.386 participantes con 50 años o más (53,3% del sexo femenino). La prevalencia de la dinapenia fue de un 17,2%, siendo un 16,6% en hombres y un 17,7% en mujeres. Entre los individuos con 65 años o más, la prevalencia fue de 28,2% (29,1% en los hombres y 27,5% en mujeres). La presencia de la dinapenia mostró asociación positiva con edad, velocidad de marcha reducida, limitación autoinformada en dos o más actividades básicas de la vida diaria, género, caídas, hospitalizaciones y enfermedades crónicas. La dinapenia mostró una asociación negativa con: escolaridad, actividad física e índice de masa corporal (sobrepeso/obesidad, OR = 0,26). Aproximadamente un 9% de la dinapenia era atribuible a riesgos modificables. El estudio indica que la dinapenia es prevalente en brasileños con 50 años o más, y las medidas para mejorar la escolaridad y actividad física poseen un mayor potencial para reducir la dinapenia en esa población.

Factors associated with the evaluation of quality of primary health care by older adults living in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2010. / Fatores associados à avaliação da qualidade da atenção primária à saúde por idosos residentes na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 2010.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze factors associated with the perception of quality of primary health care (PHC) services by older adults. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional survey with 893 older adults aged 60 years and over living in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; the study's outcomes were the indicators of the essential attributes of PHC, while explanatory variables included sociodemographic conditions, use of health services and health conditions; Poisson regression with robust variance was used. RESULTS: older adults aged 80 years and over, women and those with higher education levels gave better evaluations for access and longitudinality, while evaluation was worst among those who reported greater use of health services and chronic health conditions, especially for the PHC attributes of coordination of care and family and community orientation. CONCLUSION: poorer health conditions and higher use of services are associated with a more negative perception of PHC attributes among the elderly.

Perceived discrimination among older adults living in urban and rural areas in Brazil: a national study (ELSI-Brazil).

BACKGROUND: Research on discrimination and health focused on older adults has been scarce, comparatively with younger and middle-aged adults. Considering where people live matters, accurate measures of perceived discrimination might consider how the place of residence interferes on discriminatory experiences. This study aimed to assess the association between perceived discrimination and urban/rural place of residence among a representative sample of older adults in Brazil. METHODS: Data came from the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), conducted in 2015/2016, with individuals aged 50 years and older. Perceived Discrimination was measured by means of the following question: "In the past 12 months have you felt a victim of any type of discrimination" with five possible answers: (1)"when you sought medical services or health care?", (2)"in social gatherings?", (3)"in the work place?", (4)"within the family?", (5)"due to where you live?". Participants who answered yes for any of the five domains were coded as having reported an experience of discrimination. The main exposure variable was the urban-rural classification of the households, carried out according to the methods employed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics during the 2010 Population Census. Other covariates included: age, sex, skin color, household wealth and education. Multiple Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios and their respective 95% confidence interval for the association between discrimination and independent variables. RESULTS: Prevalence of any perceived discrimination among Brazilian older adults was 16.8%. Regardless the place of residence (either urban or rural), participants reported health care settings as the most common domain where discriminatory experiences occurred and the work place as the least common. According to the adjusted model, perceived discrimination was significantly higher among urban dwellers when compared to their rural counterparts, independent of sociodemographic characteristics, health status and neighborhood social environment. The outcome was significant associated with skin color, education and health status. CONCLUSIONS: Urban environment plays a core role in perceived discrimination and health care settings constitute the most common domain where discriminatory experiences occurred. Our findings may contribute to fulfill the knowledge gap on discrimination among older adults living in developing countries.

A longitudinal study of the association between social capital and mortality in community-dwelling elderly Brazilians. / Um estudo longitudinal da associação do capital social e mortalidade entre idosos brasileiros residentes em comunidade.

The aim of this study was to verify whether social capital is a predictor of all-cause mortality in community-dwelling elderly Brazilians. Participation included 935 surviving elderly from the elderly cohort of the Bambui Project in 2004, who were followed until 2011. The outcome was all-cause mortality and the exposure of interest was social capital, measured in its two components, cognitive (social cohesion and social support) and structural (social participation and neighborhood satisfaction). Sociodemographic variables, health conditions, and smoking were included in the analysis for adjustment purposes. Data analysis was based on the Cox proportional hazards model, providing hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The social participation dimension of social capital's structural component was the only dimension independently associated with mortality: elderly Brazilians that did not participate in social groups or associations showed a two-fold higher risk of death (HR = 2.28; 95%CI: 1.49-3.49) compared to their peers. The study's results reveal the need to extend interventions beyond the specific field of health in order to promote longevity, focusing on environmental and social characteristics.

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se o capital social seria um preditor da mortalidade por todas as causas entre idosos brasileiros residentes em comunidade. Participaram 935 idosos sobreviventes da coorte idosa do Projeto Bambuí em 2004, que foram acompanhados até 2011. O desfecho foi a mortalidade por todas as causas e a exposição de interesse foi o capital social, mensurado em seus dois componentes, o cognitivo (coesão social e o suporte social) e o estrutural (participação social e satisfação com a vizinhança). Variáveis sociodemográficas, de condições de saúde e tabagismo foram incluídas na análise para o propósito de ajuste. A análise dos dados baseou-se no modelo dos riscos proporcionais de Cox, que fornece hazard ratios (HR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). O componente estrutural do capital social, na dimensão da participação social, foi o único independentemente associado à mortalidade: os idosos que não participavam de grupos sociais ou associações apresentaram um risco de morte duas vezes maior (HR = 2,28; IC95%: 1,49-3,49) que suas contrapartes. Os resultados desta investigação evidenciam a necessidade de estender as intervenções direcionadas à promoção da longevidade para além do campo específico de atuação da saúde, voltando-se também para características ambientais e sociais.

El objetivo del estudio fue verificar si el capital social sería un predictor de la mortalidad por todas las causas entre ancianos brasileños residentes en comunidades. Participaron 935 ancianos, supervivientes de la cohorte de ancianos del Proyecto Bambuí en 2004, a quienes se les realizó un seguimiento hasta 2011. El desenlace fue la mortalidad por todas las causas y la exposición de interés fue el capital social, medido en sus dos componentes, el cognitivo (cohesión social y apoyo social) y el estructural (participación social y satisfacción con el vecindario). Las variables sociodemográficas, de condiciones de salud, el tabaquismo, se incluyeron en el análisis para el propósito de ajuste. El análisis de los datos se basó en el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox, que proporciona hazard ratios (HR) e intervalos de 95% de confianza (IC95%). El componente estructural del capital social, en su dimensión de la participación social, fue el único independientemente asociado a la mortalidad: los ancianos que no participaban en grupos sociales o asociaciones presentaron un riesgo de muerte dos veces mayor (HR = 2,28; IC95%: 1,49-3,49) que sus contrapartes. Los resultados de esta investigación evidencian la necesidad de extender las intervenciones dirigidas a la promoción de la longevidad hacia más allá del campo específico de actuación de la salud, dirigiéndose también hacia características ambientales y sociales.

Um estudo longitudinal da associação do capital social e mortalidade entre idosos brasileiros residentes em comunidade / Un estudio longitudinal sobre la asociación del capital social y mortalidad entre ancianos brasileños residentes en comunidades / A longitudinal study of the association between social capital and mortality in community-dwelling elderly Brazilians

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se o capital social seria um preditor da mortalidade por todas as causas entre idosos brasileiros residentes em comunidade. Participaram 935 idosos sobreviventes da coorte idosa do Projeto Bambuí em 2004, que foram acompanhados até 2011. O desfecho foi a mortalidade por todas as causas e a exposição de interesse foi o capital social, mensurado em seus dois componentes, o cognitivo (coesão social e o suporte social) e o estrutural (participação social e satisfação com a vizinhança). Variáveis sociodemográficas, de condições de saúde e tabagismo foram incluídas na análise para o propósito de ajuste. A análise dos dados baseou-se no modelo dos riscos proporcionais de Cox, que fornece hazard ratios (HR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). O componente estrutural do capital social, na dimensão da participação social, foi o único independentemente associado à mortalidade: os idosos que não participavam de grupos sociais ou associações apresentaram um risco de morte duas vezes maior (HR = 2,28; IC95%: 1,49-3,49) que suas contrapartes. Os resultados desta investigação evidenciam a necessidade de estender as intervenções direcionadas à promoção da longevidade para além do campo específico de atuação da saúde, voltando-se também para características ambientais e sociais.

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue verificar si el capital social sería un predictor de la mortalidad por todas las causas entre ancianos brasileños residentes en comunidades. Participaron 935 ancianos, supervivientes de la cohorte de ancianos del Proyecto Bambuí en 2004, a quienes se les realizó un seguimiento hasta 2011. El desenlace fue la mortalidad por todas las causas y la exposición de interés fue el capital social, medido en sus dos componentes, el cognitivo (cohesión social y apoyo social) y el estructural (participación social y satisfacción con el vecindario). Las variables sociodemográficas, de condiciones de salud, el tabaquismo, se incluyeron en el análisis para el propósito de ajuste. El análisis de los datos se basó en el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox, que proporciona hazard ratios (HR) e intervalos de 95% de confianza (IC95%). El componente estructural del capital social, en su dimensión de la participación social, fue el único independientemente asociado a la mortalidad: los ancianos que no participaban en grupos sociales o asociaciones presentaron un riesgo de muerte dos veces mayor (HR = 2,28; IC95%: 1,49-3,49) que sus contrapartes. Los resultados de esta investigación evidencian la necesidad de extender las intervenciones dirigidas a la promoción de la longevidad hacia más allá del campo específico de actuación de la salud, dirigiéndose también hacia características ambientales y sociales.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to verify whether social capital is a predictor of all-cause mortality in community-dwelling elderly Brazilians. Participation included 935 surviving elderly from the elderly cohort of the Bambui Project in 2004, who were followed until 2011. The outcome was all-cause mortality and the exposure of interest was social capital, measured in its two components, cognitive (social cohesion and social support) and structural (social participation and neighborhood satisfaction). Sociodemographic variables, health conditions, and smoking were included in the analysis for adjustment purposes. Data analysis was based on the Cox proportional hazards model, providing hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The social participation dimension of social capital's structural component was the only dimension independently associated with mortality: elderly Brazilians that did not participate in social groups or associations showed a two-fold higher risk of death (HR = 2.28; 95%CI: 1.49-3.49) compared to their peers. The study's results reveal the need to extend interventions beyond the specific field of health in order to promote longevity, focusing on environmental and social characteristics.

Fatores associados à avaliação da qualidade da atenção primária à saúde por idosos residentes na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 2010 / Factores asociados a la evaluación de la calidad de la atención primaria de salud por ancianos residentes en la Región Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2010 / Factors associated with the evaluation of quality of primary health care by older adults living in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2010

Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à percepção da qualidade dos serviços de atenção primária à saúde (APS) por idosos. Métodos: estudo transversal com 893 idosos de 60 anos ou mais, residentes na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; os desfechos do estudo foram os indicadores dos atributos essenciais da APS, e as variáveis explicativas incluíram condições sociodemográficas, uso de serviços de saúde e condições de saúde; utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: os idosos com 80 anos ou mais, as mulheres e aqueles de maior escolaridade avaliaram melhor o acesso e a longitudinalidade, enquanto a avaliação foi pior entre os que relataram maior uso dos serviços e condições crônicas, sobretudo para os atributos de coordenação do cuidado e orientação familiar e comunitária. Conclusão: piores condições de saúde e maior uso dos serviços estão associados à percepção mais negativa dos atributos da APS entre idosos.

Objetivo: investigar los factores asociados a la percepción de la calidad de los servicios de atención primaria de salud (APS) por ancianos. Métodos: estudio transversal en muestra de 893 ancianos de 60 años o más, residentes en la Región Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; los resultados del estudio fueron los indicadores de los atributos esenciales de la APS y las variables explicativas incluyeron condiciones sociodemográficas, uso de servicios y condiciones de salud; se utilizó la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta. Resultados: los ancianos con 80 años o más, las mujeres y los de mayor escolaridad evaluaron mejor el acceso y la longitudinalidad, mientras que la evaluación fue peor entre los que reportaron mayor uso del servicio y relato de enfermedades crónicas, sobre todo para la coordinación del cuidado y la orientación familiar y comunitaria. Conclusión: a peores condiciones de salud y mayor uso de los servicios es posible asociar una percepción negativa de los ancianos sobre la estructura de los atributos de la APS.

Objective: to analyze factors associated with the perception of quality of primary health care (PHC) services by older adults. Methods: this was a cross-sectional survey with 893 older adults aged 60 years and over living in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; the study's outcomes were the indicators of the essential attributes of PHC, while explanatory variables included sociodemographic conditions, use of health services and health conditions; Poisson regression with robust variance was used. Results: older adults aged 80 years and over, women and those with higher education levels gave better evaluations for access and longitudinality, while evaluation was worst among those who reported greater use of health services and chronic health conditions, especially for the PHC attributes of coordination of care and family and community orientation. Conclusion: poorer health conditions and higher use of services are associated with a more negative perception of PHC attributes among the elderly.

Physical activity practice among older adults: results of the ELSI-Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of the practice of physical activity (PA) among older Brazilian adults and associated factors. In addition, potential effect modifiers of the association between PA and age were investigated. METHODS: We have analyzed data from 8,736 participants (92.8%) aged 50 and older from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). Physical activity was measured using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The outcome variable was defined as at least 150 minutes of weekly activities in all domains. The exploratory variables were age, sex, education, ethnicity, marital status, number of chronic diseases and medical appointments, and knowledge about or participation in public programs that encourage physical activity. Logistic regression and estimates of predicted probabilities were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of recommended levels of physical activity was 67.0% (95%CI 64.3-69.5). Physical activity was associated with age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.97; 95%CI 0.96-0.98], higher educational level (OR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.11-1.45 for 4-7 years and OR = 1.52; 95%CI 1.28-1.81 for eight years or more), participants who were married/ in a long term relationship (OR = 1.22; 95%CI 1.08-1.38), and those who reported knowledge about (OR = 1.34; 95%CI 1.16-1.54) or participation in (OR = 1.78; 95%CI 1.34-2.36) a program aimed at the practice of physical activity. Women and those with lower educational level (p value for interaction < 0.05) reported lower physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the association with marital status and health promotion programs, there were significant sex and educational level inequalities in physical activity decline later in life. These findings help the identification of groups more vulnerable to decreased physical activity levels with aging, as well as the planning of health promotion strategies, especially in older groups.

Factors associated with perceived quality of life in older adults: ELSI-Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with perceived quality of life in a representative national sample of the population aged 50 or over. METHODS: Data from 7,651 participants of the baseline ELSI-Brazil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging), conducted between 2015 and 2016, were used. The perceived quality of life was measured by the CASP-19 scale - (CASP - control, autonomy, self-fulfillment and pleasure), considering the highest tertile as good quality of life. The independent variables included socio-demographic characteristics, mobility, loneliness, and indicators of sociability (social network, social support and social participation). The associations were tested using multivariate Poisson regression. RESULTS: The best perceived quality of life showed a positive and independent association with the frequency of contacts with friends (PR = 1.25 for at least once every 2-3 months and PR = 1.36 for at least once a week), instrumental support from spouse or partner in the household (PR = 1.69), and emotional support from other relatives (PR = 1.45), children or children in law (PR = 1.41) and spouse or partner (PR = 1.33). Negative associations were observed for participants aged 80 and over (RP = 0.77), with 4 to 7 or 8 or more years of schooling (PR = 0.78 and 0.75, respectively) and with difficulty in mobility (PR = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to age and schooling, mobility, sociability and instrumental and emotional support are associated with perceived quality of life among older Brazilian adults. These characteristics must be considered when actions are taken, aiming to promote quality of life in this population.

Inequalities in basic activities of daily living among older adults: ELSI-Brazil, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnitude of wealth-related inequalities in basic activities of daily living among community-dwelling Brazilian older adults and to determine the contribution of demographic, socioeconomic, and health conditions to the inequality. METHODS: We used data from the 2015 Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) with a nationally representative sample of adults aged 50 years or older. We assessed wealth-related inequalities in basic activities of daily living by the concentration index. Concentration index was decomposed to determine the contribution of demographic, health, and socioeconomic factors to wealth-related inequalities in basic activities of daily living. RESULTS: The prevalence of disability in the sample was 15.7% (95%CI 14.9-17.6). The concentration index was -0.145 (95%CI -0.194- -0.097), which indicates that disability is concentrated in the poorest individuals in Brazil. Inequalities in basic activities of daily living disability are primarily explained by socioeconomic status (wealth and own education) not by demographic or health factors. CONCLUSIONS: There are avoidable wealth-related inequities for those with a disability in Brazil. The strong contribution of the socioeconomic status highlights the need for new public health policies that promote equity, universality, and integrality, in addition to the expansion of home nursing public services.

Cost-related underuse of medications in older adults: ELSI-Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with cost-related underuse of medications in a nationally representative sample of Brazilians aged 50 years and over. METHODS: Among the 9,412 participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), 6,014 reported using at least one medication on regular basis and were included in the analysis. Underuse of medications was by stopping taking or reducing the number of tablets or the dose of any prescribed medication for financial reasons. The theoretical framework used for the selection of the exploratory variables included predisposing factors, enabling factors, and factors of need. Associations were tested by Poisson regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of underuse of medications was 10.6%. After adjustments for relevant covariables, positive and statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) with the outcome were found for females [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.39], sufficiency of the family income for expenses (PR = 1.74 for sometimes and PR 2.42 for never), frequency with which the physician explains about the disease and treatment (PR = 1.31 for rarely or never), number of medications used (PR = 1.39 for 2-4 and 1.53 for 5 or more), fair (PR = 2.02) and poor or very poor self-rated health (PR = 2.92), and a previous medical diagnosis of depression (PR = 1.69). Negative associations were observed for the age groups of 60-79 years (PR = 0.75) and 80 years and over (PR = 0.43), socioeconomic status of the household (PR = 0.70, 0.79, and 0.60 for the second, third, and fourth quartile, respectively), and private health plan coverage (PR = 0.79). There were no associations between hypertension and self-reported diabetes and underuse of medications. CONCLUSIONS: Cost-related underuse of medications is multidimensional and complex, and it covers socio-demographic characteristics, health conditions, and the use of health services. The explanation about the disease and its treatment to the patient and the expansion of the universal access to pharmaceutical care can minimize the risks of underuse.