Comparison of prevalence of diabetes complications in Brazilian and Mexican adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is more frequent in Latin American people than in non-Hispanic whites due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle risk factors. Brazil and Mexico are the most populous countries in Latin America. The present study aimed to compare the results of the National Health Survey "PNS" in Brazil and the National Survey Health and Nutrition "ENSANUT" in Mexico regarding the prevalence, complications and healthcare issues of diabetes in both countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the National Health Survey (PNS) of 2013 in Brazil and the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) of 2018 in Mexico. The prevalence of diabetes, complications and risk factors related to developing diabetes were considered. RESULTS: The respondents included 3636 individuals in Brazil and 4555 individuals in Mexico. There were significant differences in age and time living with diabetes between the two countries. Mexican people had twice as likely as Brazilian people to have a complication (p < 0.0001). The principal risk factor (OR 2.47; p ≤ 0.0001) for developing any diabetic complication was living with diabetes for more than 15 years. Visual impairment was the most frequent complication in both countries, but it was more prevalent in Mexico (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes complications are important health problems in Brazil and Mexico. Visual impairment was the principal complication in both countries. Several factors, such as access to and type of health system, living in a rural area, treatment, BMI and performing preventive actions, affected the risk of developing a complication. However, living with diabetes for more than 15 years was the principal risk factor. National health surveys have added significant information on the impact of diabetes in these Latin American populations. This comparison of data could provide valuable information to guide national policies and program decisions in both countries.

Assessing health system responsiveness to the needs of older people.

OBJECTIVE: To identify key indicators that will allow empirical measurement of a health system's responsiveness to older people. METHODS: We conducted a series of consultations with experts to develop a relevant list of indicators. Concept mapping was used to devise the list, including the steps of preparation, brainstorming and structuring. Additionally, four countries were used as national case studies to test the feasibility of measuring health system responsiveness with readily available national-level data (Barbados, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico). RESULTS: Our study resulted in a list of 25 indicators scored with high usefulness for informing public policy, 10 of which were also categorized as being of high availability. National case studies were useful to assess the feasibility of measuring health system responsiveness in different settings. CONCLUSIONS: Responsiveness can be comprehensively assessed by (i) approaching the intrinsic features of the system via its inputs, outputs, and outcomes, and (ii) measuring the impact of the system on meeting the needs of older people in terms of their health, financial protection, and expectations. Further consensus is needed to develop a list of core indicators that could be used as a baseline for measuring a health system's responsiveness to the needs of older people.

High risk for sleep apnea in the Berlin questionnaire and coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects up to 30% of the adult population and is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). The diagnostic process, involving polysomnography, may be complex. Berlin questionnaire (BQ) is a validated and economical screening tool. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the BQ for the diagnosis of OSA in individuals with angina complaints. METHODS: Patients undergoing diagnostic cineangiography, portable type III polysomnography to determine the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and who answered the BQ were included. We excluded patients older than 65 years that were smokers, diabetics, and morbidly obese. High risk for OSA was based on positive responses in two of three symptom criteria of the BQ. CAD was defined by the presence of >50% lesion in coronary arteries. RESULTS: In 57 included cases, high risk in the BQ indicates significant odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for the presence of CAD (4.5[1.03-19.25], P = 0.045), adjusted for usual confounders: gender, age, and body mass index. The sensitivity and the specificity of BQ for CAD were 70% and 48%, respectively; the positive and negative predictive values are 56% and 64%. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, simple questionnaire-based diagnostic tools can be included in the screening procedures of patients with angina to detect the need for further OSA evaluation. In conclusion, the BQ is an effective instrument for this purpose.

Sleep apnea is a stronger predictor for coronary heart disease than traditional risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Sleep apnea (SA) may be linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). Both conditions have similar risk factors, confounding the analyses. Investigation of the lipid profile is routine in the adult population, even without symptoms or suspected cardiac ailment. SA, however, remains underdiagnosed even in the presence of unambiguous clinical manifestations. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify the association between SA and CAD, adjusting for usual CAD risk factors. METHODS: Patients who underwent diagnostic or therapeutic coronariography and portable type III polysomnography were studied. The severity of SA was determined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). We measured classic CAD risk factors: fasting glucose; total, HDL, and LDL cholesterols; triglycerides; uric acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. We excluded patients older than 65 years, with body mass index higher than 40 kg/m(2), with diabetes, and with history of smoking in the last year. RESULTS: Of 55 included patients, 28 had AHI > 14, showing an odds ratio of 8.7 for CAD. Patients without (n = 29) and with CAD (n = 26), showed AHI of, respectively, 11 ± 11 and 23 ± 14 per hour (P = 0.001). In a binary logistic regression to predict CAD, controlling for all the above risk factors, the only variables entered in the stepwise model were AHI (either as continuous or categorical variable) and uric acid. CONCLUSION: In a sample without smokers, morbidly obese, or diabetic patients, AHI is the main predictor of CAD. SA should integrate the set of risk factors routinely assessed in clinical investigation for coronary disease risk stratification.

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in indigenous people over 40 years of age in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Prevalência da síndrome metabólica em indígenas com mais de 40 anos no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among indigenous people older than 40 years of age from two cities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive, analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted in two municipalities, Porto Alegre and Nonoai, between July and August 2009. A total of 150 indigenous people older than 40 years of age (range: 40-104 years), participated in the study. MS prevalence was determined based on National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Blood samples and anthropometric data were collected. The participants also answered a questionnaire on eating habits, which was then contrasted to the 10 steps to healthy eating proposed by the World Health Organization and recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: MS prevalence was 65.3%, affecting women more than men (P < 0.001). Changes in waist circumference, fasting glucose, and HDL-cholesterol and presence of hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity were associated with MS. Age, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle were not associated with MS. Indigenous people with MS had a poor diet, with low intake of fruit and vegetables, low levels of physical activity, high consumption of sweets and soft drinks, and high prevalence of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of MS was observed among the indigenous people surveyed, especially in women. Education and motivation for healthy behaviors is possibly the best way to manage MS and promote health in a population that is still neglected by public health policies.

[Family dysfunction in nonagenarians and centenarians: the importance of health conditions and social support]. / Disfunção familiar em nonagenários e centenários: importância das condições de saúde e suporte social.

The scope of this study is to evaluate factors related to family dysfunction (FD) among 227 randomly selected nonagenarians and centenarians in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, who were visited and assessed in their homes. FD was evaluated by the "Family APGAR score," being considered with FD from 0 to 6, and without FD from 7 to 10 in this study. Sociodemographic and economic data, physical functionality, health self-perception, comorbidities, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, social support and interaction were evaluated. The mean APGAR score was 9.05±1.81, and FD occurred in 9.69% of the participants. Among the health conditions, the self-perception of health (p=0.0003), the number of depressive symptoms (p<0.0001), receiving visits (p=0.0994), having recourse to help in case of illness (p=0.0090), and the need for help to administer medication (p=0.0602), were significantly related to FD. In the adjusted analysis, self-perception of health, the presence of depressive symptoms and the need for help in administering medication were associated with FD among nonagenarians and centenarians. These factors may influence the satisfaction of nonagenarians and centenarians with their family relationships.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os fatores relacionados à disfunção familiar (DF) entre 227 nonagenários e centenários identificados e avaliados no domicílio, aleatoriamente selecionados, em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. A DF foi avaliada pelo instrumento "APGAR da família", sendo considerado, no presente estudo, de zero a seis com DF e de sete a dez sem DF. Foram avaliados, entre abril e novembro de 2016, dados sociodemográficos, econômicos, funcionalidade física, autopercepção de saúde, comorbidades, sintomas depressivos, função cognitiva, suporte e interação social. A média do APGAR foi de 9,05±1,81, a DF ocorreu em 9,69% dos participantes. Foram relacionados à DF a autopercepção de saúde (p=0,0003), número de sintomas depressivos (p<0,0001), ter ajuda em caso de doença (p=0,0090) e necessidade de ajuda para administrar medicamentos (p=0,0602). Na análise ajustada, foram independentemente associados à DF em nonagenários e centenários a autopercepção de saúde, a presença de sintomas depressivos e a necessidade de ajuda para administrar medicamentos. Conclui-se que esses fatores parecem interferir na satisfação do nonagenário ou centenário com suas relações familiares.

Analysis of the singing voice handicap index for elderly choristers. / Análise do índice de desvantagem vocal para o canto de coristas idosos.

PURPOSE: To analyze the singing voice handicap index in elderly choristers and verify its relationship with the profile, habits and health conditions of the participants. METHODS: 110 individuals aged 60 years or older, participating in amateur choirs, were included. Choir singers were interviewed in order to verify data such as age, time in choir singing, vocal classification, and the presence of habits and health conditions adverse to voice production. Subsequently, they answered the questionnaire "Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI)", which assesses the individual's self-perception in relation to experiences in the use of the singing voice. RESULTS: The SVHI score had a median of 25, with a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 86. The most scored items were related to physical aspects in the use of singing voice: "I am unable to use my 'high voice'" (Q10) and "My throat is dry when I sing"(Q13). It was found that older adults over 75 years of age had a greater voice handicap when compared to younger ones (p=0.020). Choir singers classified as contralto also had a higher SVHI score (p=0.023), as well as individuals who reported drinking little water (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: The choristers in this study presented a singing voice handicap index compatible with healthy singing voices. When verifying the relationship of the SVHI score with the characteristics of the participants and with respect to habits and health conditions, it was found that the elderly choir singers over 75 years old, the contralto choir singers, and those who claimed to drink little water had higher scores for the singing voice handicap.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o índice de desvantagem vocal para o canto de coristas idosos e verificar a sua relação com perfil, hábitos e condições de saúde dos participantes. MÉTODO: Foram incluídos 110 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais, participantes de coros amadores. Os coristas foram entrevistados a fim de verificar dados como idade, tempo de canto coral, classificação vocal e a presença de hábitos e condições de saúde adversas à produção vocal. Posteriormente, responderam o questionário "Índice de Desvantagem Vocal para o Canto (IDV-C)" que avalia a autopercepção do indivíduo em relação às experiências no uso da voz cantada. RESULTADOS: O escore do IDV-C teve uma mediana de 25, sendo a pontuação mínima 0 e a máxima 86. Os itens mais pontuados estavam relacionados aos aspectos físicos no uso da voz cantada: "Não consigo cantar agudo" (Q10) e "Minha garganta fica seca quando canto" (Q13). Verificou-se que os idosos com mais de 75 anos apresentaram maior desvantagem vocal para o canto ao comparar com os mais jovens (p=0,020). As coristas classificadas como contralto também apresentaram maior escore do IDV-C (p=0,023), assim como os indivíduos que relataram beber pouca água (p=0,007). CONCLUSÃO: Os coristas deste estudo apresentaram um índice de desvantagem vocal para o canto compatível com vozes saudáveis para o canto. Ao verificar a relação do escore do IDV-C com as características dos participantes e a respeito dos hábitos e condições de saúde, constatou-se que os coristas idosos com mais de 75 anos, as coristas contralto e aqueles que afirmaram beber pouca água apresentaram escores maiores de desvantagem vocal para o canto.

Development and accuracy of a hearing screening application.

INTRODUCTION: Hearing impairment, or hearing loss, can be caused by several factors and the implications vary according to the type, degree, cause and age of occurrence. Hearing screening should be a common procedure, allowing the pre-clinical identification and necessary referrals, avoiding the consequences of auditory deprivation. Mobile apps have shown to be a good alternative for hearing assessment. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop an app and assess its performance in identifying hearing loss by comparing it with another validated screening tool. METHODS: The application, called Ouviu, was created using audiological knowledge and tools available on the iOS platform. We evaluated 185 people, aged between 6 and 96 years, distributed into 5 age groups, performing audiometry and hearing screening using two tools: HearCheck and the application. RESULTS: The results showed that the sensitivity of the application in identifying hearing loss was approximately 97%, while that of HearCheck was 79%. The positive predictive value of the application showed that the probability of a person being identified with this tool and actually having a hearing loss was 94%, while for HearCheck it was 96%. False negatives, which failed hearing loss identification, were fewer in the app (3%) than in HearCheck (21%). CONCLUSION: Consequently, the developed application was shown to be effective as a hearing screening tool, surpassing HearCheck in identifying mild hearing loss. In addition to being portable, easy to apply, low cost and rapidly performed, the application has the advantage of assessing environmental noise to perform the exam, as well as the fact that it is not necessary to attach any hardware to the mobile device.

Programa de exercícios multicomponentes domiciliar (VIVIFRAIL®) para longevos durante a pandemia da covid-19 / Acceptability of a home-based multicomponent exercise program (Vivifrail®) for the oldest-old via videoconferencing during the Covid-19 pandemic

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a aceitação e adequação de um programa de exercícios multicomponentes por videoconferência para longevos em Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. Método Estudo Quase experimental. Os participantes realizaram o protocolo de exercícios multicomponentes ViviFrail® durante 12 semanas, com a aceitação e adequação avaliadas semanalmente por videoconferência. O questionário de aceitação e adequação foi baseado em uma escala Likert (de 0 a 4) de seis barreiras que os participantes enfrentam ao fazer exercício físico, com pontuação máxima de 24 pontos (aceitação máxima). Resultados A aceitação foi de 70%, com 14 participantes concluindo o protocolo (89,07±6,30 anos). A consistência interna, (alfa de Cronbach) para o questionário, foi de 70%, considerada moderada. Os participantes mostraram um aumento geral na aceitação dos 17,8±3,51 pontos iniciais, para 22,0±2,94 pontos no final. Quatro (28.6%) necessitaram de adequação no protocolo de exercício. Conclusão O programa de exercícios multicomponente ViviFrail®, com acompanhamento através de videoconferência, foi bem aceito e adequado, podendo ser uma importante ferramenta para a promoção da qualidade de vida, principalmente em longevos com dificuldade de sair de casa, tanto por problemas de mobilidade, quanto por ambientes sociais desfavoráveis (violência urbana e situações sanitárias). O questionário de aceitação e adequação, que necessitou ser criado, foi capaz de detectar barreiras do

Abstract Objective To investigate the acceptability and adequacy of a multicomponent exercise program via videoconferencing for the oldest-old in Porto Alegre, a city in southern Brazil. Method This is a quasi-experimental study. Fourteen participants were enrolled in the multicomponent exercise program Vivifrail® for 12 weeks, 5 days a week, with weekly video calls for assessment of acceptability and adequacy. The acceptability and adequacy questionnaire was based on 6 barriers that older adults face when engaging in physical exercise. Responses were measured using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4 points, with a maximum score of 24 points (maximum acceptability). Results Fourteen participants (89.07±6.30 years) concluded the protocol, with an acceptability rate of 70%. Internal consistency was moderate, with a Cronbach's coefficient alpha of 0.7. Participants showed an overall increase in acceptability and adequacy (from 17.8±3.51 points in the first week to 22.0±2.94 in the 12th week). Four participants (28.6%) required some modification to the exercise protocol. Conclusion The Vivifrail® protocol, together with weekly follow-up via videoconferencing, was well accepted and adequate. It could be an important tool for promoting quality of life, especially in the oldest-old with difficulty leaving home. The acceptability questionnaire was able to detect exercise barriers and suggest possible modifications to the training program and could be presented as a suggestion for the evaluation of intervention protocols in the oldest-old population. Therefore, the Vivifrail® protocol, with weekly follow-up via videoconferencing, could be a new field of intervention for health professionals.

Number of teeth and mortality risk in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

BACKGROUND: Findings from several studies suggested an association between oral health and several health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, poor quality of life, and mortality. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), we tested the hypothesis that number of teeth is indicative of mortality risk independent of other confounders. METHODS: Dentists conducted a standardized oral examination that included tooth count, tooth with coronal and cervical caries count, and gingival and periodontal index. Blood tests used in the analysis included fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and white blood cell counts. Physical activity, skin fold thickness, body mass index and chronic diseases were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 500 BLSA participants evaluated, 198 died an average of 130 (+/-75) months postdental evaluation, and 302 survivors were followed for a mean of 185 (+/-90) months. Based on multivariate Cox regression models, being edentulous or having than 20 teeth was independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the notion that number of teeth is a significant and independent risk indicator for early mortality. These findings suggest that the improvement of oral health may have a positive impact on general health and may delay mortality.

Availability of foods according to the degree of processing in families with young elderly and oldest-old (POF 2017-2018) / Disponibilidade de alimentos de acordo com o grau de processamento em famílias com idosos jovens e longevos (POF 2017-2018)

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in families with and without elderly and oldest-old people. Methods This is an observational, cross-sectional study with secondary data from the Household Budget Survey, conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics between 2017 and 2018. Families were characterized based on the oldest member: Control (without elderly and oldest-old) or with elderly and oldest-old. The sociodemographic characteristics of the families and the foods purchased by the families were obtained, according to the Nova classification (in natura, processed and ultra-processed foods, in addition to culinary ingredients). Results Families with elderly and oldest-old people had greater availability of fresh foods and fewer ultra-processed foods. In contrast, young families showed greater acquisition of all ultra-processed food items. Conclusion The unfavorable nutritional transition process with fewer in natura foods seemed to be less evident in families with higher age groups. It is concluded that the presence of the elderly and oldest-old in the family could be related to a better quality of the family diet, with a greater presence of fresh foods and a lower acquisition of ultra-processed foods.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a disponibilidade de alimentos saudáveis e não saudáveis nas famílias com e sem idosos e longevos. Métodos É um estudo observacional, transversal com dados secundários da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar, realizada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística entre 2017-2018. As famílias foram caracterizadas pelo integrante com maior idade: controle (sem idosos e longevos), com idosos e longevos. Foram obtidas características sociodemográficas das famílias e itens alimentares adquiridos pelas famílias, segundo a classificação Nova (alimentos in natura, processados e ultraprocessados, além de ingredientes culinários). Resultados As famílias com idosos e longevos apresentaram maior disponibilidade de alimentos in natura e menor em ultraprocessados. Enquanto que as famílias jovens apresentaram maior aquisição em todos os itens alimentares ultraprocessados. Conclusão O processo de transição nutricional desfavorável com menos alimentos in natura pareceu ser menos evidente em famílias com maiores faixas-etárias. Conclui-se que a presença de idosos e longevos na família pode estar relacionada à melhor qualidade alimentar familiar, com maior presença de alimentos in natura e menor aquisição de ultraprocessados.

Factors associated with health-related decision-making in older adults from Southern Brazil.

AIM: To analyze older adults' health-related decision-making profile. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a population-based study with 6945 older-adults (aged ≥60 years) in Southern Brazil. Multiple logistic regressions were calculated to describe the odds of deciding alone or asking for advice, compared with the chance of letting someone else decide about health-related issues. Associated variables were age, sex, marital status, education level, number of chronic morbidities, having children and quality of life. RESULTS: The odds of asking for advice instead of letting others decide were significantly higher in the younger group and those with better levels of quality of life, independent of other variables. The chance of asking for advice was lower for unmarried (62%), widowed (76%) and those with children (50%). The chance of men deciding for themselves about their health instead of letting others decide was 47% higher compared with women (P = 0.0002), but 45% lower in the older group (P < 0.0001). Participants who where unmarried and childless, and individuals with better levels of quality of life were more likely to decide alone instead of letting others decide (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decision-making is fundamental for older adults' good quality of life. Aging makes older adults more vulnerable to dependence; however, it does not necessarily mean that they lose or decrease their ability to make decisions regarding their own health and desires. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 798-803.

Grip strength is a strong predictor of survival in nonagenarians and centenarians / Força de preensão palmar e sobrevivência em nonagenários e centenários

Objectives: To understand the importance of hand grip strength (HGS) as a survival predictor in nonagenarians and centenarians. Methods: Longitudinal, observational and analytical study, using HGS measurements obtained during a first evaluation performed in 2016. Participants were nonagenarians and centenarians, randomly selected in various neighborhoods of Porto Alegre (RS) and evaluated in their homes. The time elapsed between the first evaluation and the date of death or last contact (for survivors) was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) using survival analysis on simple and adjusted Cox regression models. Results: The sample comprised 212 participants (155 women), of whom 83 (39%) died during follow-up (until August 30, 2019). Using the lowest quartile (25%) for HGS, participants with < 10 kgf for women and 17 kgf for men were considered to have poor HGS performance. In the simple regression model, participants with lower HGS presented a HR of 2.75 (1.76­4.30, p < 0.001) for death. Also in the simple model, participants aged between 90 and 94 years old presented an HR of 0.37 (0.16­0.85, p = 0.019) compared to those aged 100 or older. In the adjusted model, age lost its significance in the presence of HGS. The following were significant predictors in both simple and adjusted models: cognitive performance, calf circumference, ability to participate in social activities, shop, and prepare meals alone, performance in the Timed Up and Go test, and ease to perform activities requiring upper limb strength. Conclusions: HGS was an important independent and modifiable predictor of survival among nonagenarians and centenarians.

Objetivos: Compreender a importância da força de preensão palmar (FPP) como preditor em nonagenários e centenários. Metodologia: Estudo, longitudinal, observacional e analítico, utilizando os resultados da FPP medidos na primeira avaliação realizada em 2016. Os participantes eram nonagenários e centenários, selecionados aleatoriamente em vários bairros de Porto Alegre (RS) e avaliados em suas residências. Os participantes com 10 kgf para mulheres e 17 kgf para homens foram considerados com menor desempenho da FPP. O tempo entre a primeira avaliação e a data do óbito ou último contato (entre sobreviventes) foi calculado para avaliar a Razão de Dano (RD) usando análise de sobrevida por modelos simples e ajustados da Regressão de Cox. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 212 participantes, 155 mulheres, 83 (39%) faleceram durante acompanhamento (até 30 de agosto de 2019). Na regressão simples, os participantes com menor desempenho na FPP apresentaram RD de 2,75 (1,76 ­ 4,30, p < 0,001). No modelo simples, participantes com idade entre 90 e 94 anos, apresentaram RD de 0,37 (0,16 ­ 0,85, p = 0,019) em relação aos centenários. No modelo ajustado, a idade perdeu sua significância na presença da FPP. Foram preditores significativos nos modelos simples e ajustados: desempenho cognitivo, circunferência da panturrilha, ser capaz de participar de atividades sociais e fazer compras e preparar refeições sozinho, desempenho no teste Timed Up and Go, e a facilidade para realizar atividades que exijam membros superiores. Conclusões: Concluímos que a FPP foi um importante preditor independente de sobrevida entre nonagenários e centenários, o que poderia ser melhorado por uma intervenção clínica.

Timed Up and Go test phases as predictors of future falls in community-dwelling older adults / Fases do teste Timed Up and Go como preditoras de quedas futuras em idosos da comunidade

Abstract Introduction The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is a test widely used to assess the risk of falls in older adults. Although it is a complex task, only the total TUG time has been used for evaluation. The widespread use of smartphones has provided the development of applications for monitoring diagnostic procedures. Objective To analyze the ability to predict future falls in older adults. Methods A cohort study (1 year) of 42 participants using the sTUG Doctor. Fall events during 1-year follow-up were monitored by telephone. The number of days between assessment and first fall or last contact was calculated for survival analysis, assessed by unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models. Tests with p <5 % were considered statistically significant and between 5% and 10% were indicative of significance (Epi-Info™ 7.2). Results Falls were observed in 22 (52.38%) participants (fallers). The results indicated that cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, women, and participants with fear of falling (FES-I) were more likely to fall. Fallers performed worse on all sTUG Doctor phases. Hazard ratios for predicting falls were significant for total TUG time (1.35; p = 0.029) and total number of steps (1.52; p = 0.057). Total TUG time remained significant when adjusted for sex, age group, FES-I, and depression level. Conclusion The sTUG Doctor was an important tool to predict falls in community-dwelling older adults.

Resumo Introdução O Timed Up and Go (TUG) é um teste bastante utilizado para avaliar o risco de quedas em idosos. Embora seja uma tarefa complexa, apenas o tempo total do TUG (TTUGT) tem sido utilizado para avaliação. A propagação dos smartphones proporcionou o surgimento de aplicativos para monitoramento de procedimentos diagnósticos. Objetivo Analisar a capacidade de predição de quedas futuras em idosos através das fases do TUG utilizando o teste sTUG Doctor. Métodos Estudo de coorte (1 ano) com 42 participantes utilizando o sTUG Doctor. O evento de queda durante um ano de seguimento foi monitorado por meio de contato telefônico. O número de dias entre a avaliação e a primeira queda ou último contato foi calculado para a análise de sobrevida avaliada por modelos não ajustados e ajustados através de modelos de regressão de risco de Cox. Testes com p < 5% foram considerados estatisticamente significantes e entre 5 e 10% indicati-vos de significância (Epi-InfoTM 7.2). Resultados As quedas foram observadas em 22 (52,38%) participantes (caidores). Os resultados indicaram que nível cognitivo, sintomas depressivos, mulheres e participantes com medo de cair (FES-I) são mais propensos a cair. Caidores tiveram pior desempenho em todas as fases do sTUG Doctor. As razões de chance para previsão de queda foram significativas para TTUGT (1,35; p = 0,029) e número total de passos (1,52; p = 0,057). O TTUGT permaneceu significativo ajustando-se ao sexo, faixa etária, FES-I e nível depressivo. Conclusão O sTUG Doctor foi uma ferramenta importante para prever quedas em idosos da comunidade.

Análise do índice de desvantagem vocal para o canto de coristas idosos / Analysis of the singing voice handicap index for elderly choristers

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o índice de desvantagem vocal para o canto de coristas idosos e verificar a sua relação com perfil, hábitos e condições de saúde dos participantes. Método Foram incluídos 110 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais, participantes de coros amadores. Os coristas foram entrevistados a fim de verificar dados como idade, tempo de canto coral, classificação vocal e a presença de hábitos e condições de saúde adversas à produção vocal. Posteriormente, responderam o questionário "Índice de Desvantagem Vocal para o Canto (IDV-C)" que avalia a autopercepção do indivíduo em relação às experiências no uso da voz cantada. Resultados O escore do IDV-C teve uma mediana de 25, sendo a pontuação mínima 0 e a máxima 86. Os itens mais pontuados estavam relacionados aos aspectos físicos no uso da voz cantada: "Não consigo cantar agudo" (Q10) e "Minha garganta fica seca quando canto" (Q13). Verificou-se que os idosos com mais de 75 anos apresentaram maior desvantagem vocal para o canto ao comparar com os mais jovens (p=0,020). As coristas classificadas como contralto também apresentaram maior escore do IDV-C (p=0,023), assim como os indivíduos que relataram beber pouca água (p=0,007). Conclusão Os coristas deste estudo apresentaram um índice de desvantagem vocal para o canto compatível com vozes saudáveis para o canto. Ao verificar a relação do escore do IDV-C com as características dos participantes e a respeito dos hábitos e condições de saúde, constatou-se que os coristas idosos com mais de 75 anos, as coristas contralto e aqueles que afirmaram beber pouca água apresentaram escores maiores de desvantagem vocal para o canto.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the singing voice handicap index in elderly choristers and verify its relationship with the profile, habits and health conditions of the participants. Methods 110 individuals aged 60 years or older, participating in amateur choirs, were included. Choir singers were interviewed in order to verify data such as age, time in choir singing, vocal classification, and the presence of habits and health conditions adverse to voice production. Subsequently, they answered the questionnaire "Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI)", which assesses the individual's self-perception in relation to experiences in the use of the singing voice. Results The SVHI score had a median of 25, with a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 86. The most scored items were related to physical aspects in the use of singing voice: "I am unable to use my 'high voice'" (Q10) and "My throat is dry when I sing"(Q13). It was found that older adults over 75 years of age had a greater voice handicap when compared to younger ones (p=0.020). Choir singers classified as contralto also had a higher SVHI score (p=0.023), as well as individuals who reported drinking little water (p=0.007). Conclusion The choristers in this study presented a singing voice handicap index compatible with healthy singing voices. When verifying the relationship of the SVHI score with the characteristics of the participants and with respect to habits and health conditions, it was found that the elderly choir singers over 75 years old, the contralto choir singers, and those who claimed to drink little water had higher scores for the singing voice handicap.

Profile and prevalence of hearing complaints in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: Hearing is essential for the processing of acoustic information and the understanding of speech signals. Hearing loss may be associated with cognitive decline, depression and reduced functionality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of hearing complaints in elderly individuals from Rio Grande do Sul and describe the profile of the study participants with and without hearing complaints. METHODS: 7315 elderly individuals interviewed in their homes, in 59 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, participated in the study. Inclusion criteria were age 60 years or older and answering the question on auditory self-perception. For statistical purposes, the chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to assess the correlations between variables. RESULTS: 139 elderly individuals who did not answer the question on auditory self-perception and 9 who self-reported hearing loss were excluded, totaling 7167 elderly participants. Hearing loss complaint rate was 28% (2011) among the elderly, showing differences between genders, ethnicity, income, and social participation. The mean age of the elderly without hearing complaints was 69.44 (±6.91) and among those with complaint, 72.8 (±7.75) years. Elderly individuals without hearing complaints had 5.10 (±3.78) years of formal education compared to 4.48 (±3.49) years among those who had complaints. Multiple logistic regression observed that protective factors for hearing complaints were: higher level of schooling, contributing to the family income and having received health care in the last six months. Risk factors for hearing complaints were: older age, male gender, experiencing difficulty in leaving home and carrying out social activities. CONCLUSIONS: Among the elderly population of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the prevalence of hearing complaints reached 28%. The complaint is more often present in elderly men who did not participate in the generation of family income, who did not receive health care, performed social and community activities, had a lower level of schooling and were older.

Characterization of the selection of medicines for the Brazilian primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the process of selection of medicines for primary health care in the Brazilian regions. METHODS: This article is part of the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos - Serviços, 2015 (PNAUM - National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines - Services, 2015), a cross-sectional study that consisted of an information gathering in a sample of cities in the five regions of Brazil. The data used were collected by interviews with those responsible for pharmaceutical services (PS) (n = 506), professionals responsible for the dispensing of medicines (n = 1,139), and physicians (n = 1,558). To evaluate the difference between ratios, we adopted the Chi-square test for complex samples. The differences between the averages were analyzed in generalized linear models with F-test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The analyses considered significant had p≤0.05. RESULTS: The professionals responsible for pharmaceutical services reported non-existence of a formally constituted Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (PTC) (12.5%). They claimed to have an updated (80.4%) list of Essential Medicines (85.3%) and being active participants of this process (88.2%). However, in the perception of respondents, the list only partially (70.1%) meets the health demands. Of the interviewed professionals responsible for the dispensing of medicines, only 16.6% were pharmacists; even so, 47.8% reported to know the procedures to change the list. From the perspective of most of these professionals (70.9%), the list meets the health demands of the city. Among physicians, only 27.2% reported to know the procedures to change the list, but 76.5% would have some claim to change it. Most of them reported to base their claims in clinical experiences (80.0%). For 13.0% of them, the list meets the health demands. CONCLUSIONS: As this is the first national survey of characterization of the process of selection of medicines within primary health care, it brings unpublished data for the assessment of policies related to medicines in Brazil.

Disfunção familiar em nonagenários e centenários: importância das condições de saúde e suporte social / Family dysfunction in nonagenarians and centenarians: the importance of health conditions and social support

Resumo O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os fatores relacionados à disfunção familiar (DF) entre 227 nonagenários e centenários identificados e avaliados no domicílio, aleatoriamente selecionados, em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. A DF foi avaliada pelo instrumento "APGAR da família", sendo considerado, no presente estudo, de zero a seis com DF e de sete a dez sem DF. Foram avaliados, entre abril e novembro de 2016, dados sociodemográficos, econômicos, funcionalidade física, autopercepção de saúde, comorbidades, sintomas depressivos, função cognitiva, suporte e interação social. A média do APGAR foi de 9,05±1,81, a DF ocorreu em 9,69% dos participantes. Foram relacionados à DF a autopercepção de saúde (p=0,0003), número de sintomas depressivos (p<0,0001), ter ajuda em caso de doença (p=0,0090) e necessidade de ajuda para administrar medicamentos (p=0,0602). Na análise ajustada, foram independentemente associados à DF em nonagenários e centenários a autopercepção de saúde, a presença de sintomas depressivos e a necessidade de ajuda para administrar medicamentos. Conclui-se que esses fatores parecem interferir na satisfação do nonagenário ou centenário com suas relações familiares.

Abstract The scope of this study is to evaluate factors related to family dysfunction (FD) among 227 randomly selected nonagenarians and centenarians in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, who were visited and assessed in their homes. FD was evaluated by the "Family APGAR score," being considered with FD from 0 to 6, and without FD from 7 to 10 in this study. Sociodemographic and economic data, physical functionality, health self-perception, comorbidities, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, social support and interaction were evaluated. The mean APGAR score was 9.05±1.81, and FD occurred in 9.69% of the participants. Among the health conditions, the self-perception of health (p=0.0003), the number of depressive symptoms (p<0.0001), receiving visits (p=0.0994), having recourse to help in case of illness (p=0.0090), and the need for help to administer medication (p=0.0602), were significantly related to FD. In the adjusted analysis, self-perception of health, the presence of depressive symptoms and the need for help in administering medication were associated with FD among nonagenarians and centenarians. These factors may influence the satisfaction of nonagenarians and centenarians with their family relationships.

Fatores associados ao comportamento alimentar de idosos jovens e longevos do Sul do Brasil / Factors associated with eating behavior of young-old and oldest-old people from Southern Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo transversal com 6.974 idosos foi caracterizar o comportamento alimentar de idosos jovens e longevos determinado pela dificuldade funcional de se alimentar sozinho, autopercepção do apetite e número de refeições diárias, analisados pelo modelo de regressão de Poisson. Os idosos jovens alimentavam-se com mais facilidade e apresentavam melhor autopercepção do apetite enquanto os longevos realizavam maior número de refeições diárias. Na análise ajustada, a pior autopercepção do apetite foi relacionada com pior autopercepção de saúde geral entre os idosos jovens, e sexo feminino entre os longevos. Idosos jovens apresentaram como fator preditivo positivo do número de refeições o fato de saírem de casa e apresentarem peso adequado e nenhuma doença crônica. Entre os longevos sair de casa foi um preditor negativo do número de refeições. Assim, os fatores determinantes de pior comportamento alimentar foram ser longevo, viver sem companheiro, pior autopercepção de saúde e de saúde oral.

The objective of this cross-sectional study with 6974 old people was to characterize the eating behavior of the young-old and oldest-old determined by the functional difficulty of eating by oneself, self-perception of appetite and number of daily meals, analyzed by the Poisson regression model. Young-old people feed more easily by themselves and had better self-perception of appetite; the oldest-old ones had more daily meals. In the adjusted analysis, poor self-perception of appetite was related with poor self-perception of general health among younger elderly, and being a woman among the oldest-old ones. Younger elderly presented, as a positive predictive factor the number of meals, leaving home and having adequate weight and no chronic disease. Among the oldest-old ones, leaving home was a negative predictor of the number of meals. Thus, the determining factors for worse eating behavior were being oldest-old, living without a partner, poor self-rated health and oral health.

Development and accuracy of a hearing screening application / Desenvolvimento e acurácia de um aplicativo para rastreio auditivo

Abstract Introduction: Hearing impairment, or hearing loss, can be caused by several factors and the implications vary according to the type, degree, cause and age of occurrence. Hearing screening should be a common procedure, allowing the pre-clinical identification and necessary referrals, avoiding the consequences of auditory deprivation. Mobile apps have shown to be a good alternative for hearing assessment. Objective: The objective was to develop an app and assess its performance in identifying hearing loss by comparing it with another validated screening tool. Methods: The application, called Ouviu, was created using audiological knowledge and tools available on the iOS platform. We evaluated 185 people, aged between 6 and 96 years, distributed into 5 age groups, performing audiometry and hearing screening using two tools: HearCheck and the application. Results: The results showed that the sensitivity of the application in identifying hearing loss was approximately 97%, while that of HearCheck was 79%. The positive predictive value of the application showed that the probability of a person being identified with this tool and actually having a hearing loss was 94%, while for HearCheck it was 96%. False negatives, which failed hearing loss identification, were fewer in the app (3%) than in HearCheck (21%). Conclusion: Consequently, the developed application was shown to be effective as a hearing screening tool, surpassing HearCheck in identifying mild hearing loss. In addition to being portable, easy to apply, low cost and rapidly performed, the application has the advantage of assessing environmental noise to perform the exam, as well as the fact that it is not necessary to attach any hardware to the mobile device.

Resumo Introdução: O comprometimento da audição, ou perda auditiva, pode ser ocasionado por diversos fatores e as implicações variam de acordo com o tipo, grau, causa e idade de acometimento. A triagem auditiva deveria ser um procedimento usual que possibilitasse a identificação pré-clínica e os encaminhamentos necessários, evitaria as consequências da privação desse sentido. Aplicativos móveis mostram-se uma boa opção. Objetivo: Desenvolver um aplicativo e verificar seu desempenho na identificação de perda auditiva comparado com outro instrumento de rastreio validado. Método: O aplicativo, chamado Ouviu, foi criado com o conhecimento audiológico e as ferramentas disponíveis na plataforma iOS. Avaliamos 185 pessoas, entre 6 e 96 anos, distribuídas em 5 grupos, fizemos audiometria e rastreio auditivo por meio de dois instrumentos: HearCheck e aplicativo. Resultados: Ficou evidenciado que a sensibilidade do aplicativo para identificar perda auditiva foi aproximadamente 97%, enquanto a do HearCheck foi 79%. O valor preditivo positivo do aplicativo mostrou que a probabilidade de uma pessoa ser identificada com esse instrumento e realmente ter perda auditiva foi 94%, o HearCheck foi de 96%. Os falsos negativos, que deixaram de identificar perda auditiva, foram menores no aplicativo (3%) que no HearCheck (21%). Conclusão: O aplicativo desenvolvido mostrou-se eficaz como uma ferramenta de rastreio auditivo. É melhor do que HearCheck na identificação de perda auditiva leve. Além de ser portátil, de fácil aplicação, baixo custo e rápida execução, o aplicativo tem a vantagem de avaliar o ruído ambiental para fazer o exame e também a não necessidade de quaisquer hardwares para acoplar ao dispositivo móvel.