Predictive ability of both the healthy aging index and the frailty index for all-cause mortality.

AIM: We aimed to develop and assess a modified healthy aging index (HAI) among Chileans aged 60 years and older and compare its predictive ability for all-cause mortality risk with the frailty index (FI). METHODS: This prospective study analyzed data from the Chilean National Health Survey (CNHS) conducted in 2009-2010. We included 847 adults with complete data to construct the HAI and FI. The HAI comprised five indicators (lung function, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, cognitive status, and glomerular filtration rate), while the FI assessed frailty using a 36-item scale. HAI scores were calculated by summing the indicator scores, ranging from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating poorer health. Receiver operating curves (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess predictive validity. Associations with all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted by confounders. RESULTS: The mean HAI score was 4.06, while the FI score was 0.24. The AUC for mortality was higher for the HAI than the FI (0.640, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.601 to 0.679 vs. 0.586, 95% CI 0.545 to 0.627). After adjusting for confounders, the FI showed a higher mortality risk compared to the HAI (2.63, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.51 vs. 1.16, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.26). CONCLUSION: The FI and HAI were valid predictors for all-cause mortality in the Chilean population. Integrating these indices into research and clinical practice can significantly enhance our capacity to identify at-risk individuals.

Factors Related to the Need for Informal Care Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Chile.

PURPOSE: To identify factors contributing to the need for informal care among community-dwelling older adults with functional impairment in Chile. METHOD: A secondary data analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data from 540 Chilean older adults aged ≥60 years (mean age = 72.2 years, SD = 6.22 years). RESULTS: Informal care need was reported by 24.3% (n = 131) of participants. Among the variables that most influenced the need for informal care among older adults were hospitalization in the past 1 year, functionality, comorbidities, and multidimensional frailty (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study identified factors that clinicians and nurses should be aware of when caring for this population to prevent or manage the need for informal care. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(2), 43-52.].

Internet use by informal caregivers in Chile: An analysis including age and gender perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the relationship between Internet use and informal caregivers' characteristics. METHODS: We used the Chilean Sociodemographic Characterization Survey. A total of 86,172 informal caregivers were identified. We conducted a weighted χ2 to test differences in 10 types of Internet use and weighted logistic regressions with caregivers' characteristics as predictors of Internet use. RESULTS: Younger caregivers engaged in more types of use than the older ones. Education level was positively associated with all types of use, such as searching for information (OR = 3.52, CI 95% [2.34, 5.29]). Age was negatively related to Internet use. Women used the Internet more to communicate via social networks. Being single reduced the likelihood of performing certain types of use, such as information seeking. The number of people living in households has increased entertainment. CONCLUSIONS: Older caregivers with lower education levels are at greater risk of digital exclusion. The same occurred in some types of use with single caregivers, where fewer people lived in the household. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The Internet can be a tool for coping with caregiving tasks and their negative consequences. Interventions should consider these characteristics when promoting online tools and performing online interventions to reach the broadest possible audience.

Cuidados domiciliarios para personas mayores dependientes: Una revisión de alcance / Home care for dependent older people: A scoping review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Existe escasa evidencia que indague en los aspectos psicosociales del cuidado, considerando la perspectiva de quienes cuidan a personas mayores (PM) dependientes para diseñar intervenciones idóneas para los cuidadores informales y las PM. OBJETIVO: Sintetizar la evidencia disponible en torno a los cuidados domiciliarios disponibles para PM dependientes con un fuerte énfasis en los cuidadores informales. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años (enero 2012 hasta enero 2022) en dos bases de datos revisadas por pares. Se identificaron un total de 116 artículos y 42 artículos fueron revisados. RESULTADOS: Los resultados identificados fueron agrupados en: (1) factores que influyen en la sobrecarga o calidad de vida del cuidador, (2) necesidades de cuidado en la diada, (3) intervenciones o recomendaciones de cuidados para la diada, (4) uso de redes de apoyo al cuidado (informal y formal). CONCLUSIONES: Las implicancias para la práctica clínica de esta revisión implican profundizar en las necesidades sentidas de los cuidadores y conexión con la red de estatal y territorial. Lo anterior impacta directamente en los factores que influyen en la percepción de sobrecarga del cuidador, así como también en su calidad de vida. Investigar el rol del cuidador a través de la generación de evidencia robusta es aún una tarea pendiente.

INTRODUCTION: There is little evidence that investigates the psychosocial aspects of care, considering the perspective of those who care for dependent older people (OP) to design suitable interventions for informal caregivers and OP. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the available evidence around home care available for dependent older people with a strong emphasis on informal caregivers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of articles published in the last 10 years (January 2012 to January 2022) was conducted in two peer-reviewed databases. A total of 116 articles were identified and 42 articles were reviewed. RESULTS: The identified results were grouped into: (1) factors that influence the burden or quality of life of the caregiver, (2) care needs in the dyad, (3) interventions or recommendations for care for the dyad, (4) use of care support networks (informal and formal). CONCLUSIONS: The implications for clinical practice of this review involve delving into the felt needs of caregivers and connection with the state and territorial network. This directly impacts the factors that influence the caregiver's perception of overload, as well as her quality of life. Investigating the role of the caregiver through the generation of robust evidence is still a pending task.

Soledad y fragilidad en personas mayores que viven en comunidad: Una revisión integrativa / Loneliness and frailty in community-dwelling older adults: An integrative review

CONTEXTO: Se proyecta un aumento del 6% en la población mundial de personas mayores para el 2050, generando desafíos sociales significativos, especialmente el crecimiento de la soledad en la vejez. Este fenómeno está estrechamente vinculado a problemas de salud notables, incluido el síndrome de fragilidad. OBJETIVO: Esta revisión de literatura tiene como objetivo proporcionar una comprensión actualizada de la relación entre fragilidad y soledad en adultos mayores que residen en la comunidad. METODOLOGÍA: Utilizando una revisión integradora, se recopilaron sistemáticamente artículos originales de las bases de datos de PubMed, Web of Science y CINAHL. RESULTADOS: Una revisión de 475 artículos publicados entre 2018 y 2022 identificó 17 estudios que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión especificados. CONCLUSIÓN: Los hallazgos revelan sólida evidencia científica que respalda una asociación sustancial entre la soledad y la fragilidad en adultos mayores que viven en la comunidad. A pesar de la consistencia en la evidencia, persisten variaciones en los enfoques conceptuales y las metodologías de medición en los estudios revisados.

CONTEXT: The global elderly population is projected to increase 6% by 2050, posing significant social challenges, particularly the escalating prevalence of loneliness in old age. This phenomenon is closely linked to notable health issues, including the frailty syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This literature review aims to provide an updated understanding of the relationship between frailty and loneliness among older adults residing in the community. Methodology: Employing an integrative review, original articles were systematically gathered from PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. RESULTS: A review of 475 articles published between 2018 and 2022 identified 17 studies meeting specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: Findings reveal robust scientific evidence supporting a substantial association between loneliness and frailty among older adults in community settings. Despite consistent evidence, variations persist in conceptual approaches and measurement methodologies across reviewed studies.

Acceptability of HPV Vaccines: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Summary.

In 2006, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was approved for use as an effective intervention for reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer; however, its successful implementation is dependent on acceptability. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the reasons that favor or do not favor the acceptability of HPV vaccines. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-summary of qualitative research on 16 databases. A total of 32 articles that considered the perspectives of vaccine users, their parents, and the professionals who care for them were reviewed. Synthesis was conducted as described by Sandelowski and Barroso. RESULTS: We used inductive and deductive methods to obtain a total of 22 dimensions, out of which three issues stood out that should be considered to improve acceptability and are formed by three groups of study, namely, information about the vaccine, fears and side effects, and sexuality associated with the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptability, as well as adherence to HPV vaccination, is a complex concept. This review highlights the perspectives of the three sets of actors involved in the process (i.e., users, parents, and professionals) and views these factors in relation to acceptability as a guide for new interventions.

Factores asociados a la percepción de soledad entre personas mayores que viven en la comunidad / Factors associated with the perception of loneliness among older people living in the community

ANTECEDENTES: Las personas mayores chilenas que viven en la comunidad son una población vulnerable y con alto riesgo de auto percibirse como solitarios. OBJETIVO: Examinar los factores asociados a la percepción de soledad de un grupo de personas mayores chilenas que viven en la comunidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Diseño transversal con 540 participantes de 65 años y más (72,20 ± 6,22). Se evaluaron medidas sociodemográficas, estado de salud y valoración geriátrica integral. Se realizaron correlaciones y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. RESULTADOS: Factores como baja percepción de apoyo social en situaciones cotidianas o casos de emergencia, experimentar alta sintomatología depresiva y percibir una mala calidad de vida se asociaron significativamente con una mayor autopercepción de soledad. DISCUSIÓN: Las estrategias preventivas y las intervenciones psicosociales adecuadas a la edad para mitigar o revertir el impacto de estos factores pueden ser fundamentales para reducir la autopercepción de soledad y, en consecuencia, mejorar el bienestar de las personas mayores.

BAKCGROUND: Chilean community-dwelling older people are a vulnerable population with a high risk of being self-perceived as lonely. AIM: To examine the factors associated with the self-perception of loneliness in a group of Chilean community-dwelling older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study design with 540 participants aged 65 years and above (72.20 ± 6.22). Measures for sociodemographic, health status, and integral geriatric assessment were assessed. Correlations and multiple linear regression models were conducted. RESULTS: Factors such as low perception of social support in everyday situations or cases of emergency, experiencing high depressive symptoms, and perceiving a poor quality of life were significantly associated with a higher self-perception of loneliness. DISCUSSION: Preventive strategies and age-appropriate psychosocial interventions to mitigate or reverse the impact of these factors may be essential to reduce the self-perception of loneliness and consequently improve older people's well-being.

Providing Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experience of Formal Caregivers in Long-Term Care Facilities in Chile.

The current study aimed to identify the main challenges to formal caregivers from different long-term care facilities (LTCFs) that care for older adults (aged ≥60 years) in Chile during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Chile's national LTCF governing body (SENAMA) sent a survey to 1,190 LTCFs, receiving 996 responses. LTCF characteristics were number of residents, certification with SENAMA, licensure, geographic zone, and poverty level. Four dimensions were assessed: (a) concerns, (b) challenges, (c) needs, and (d) opportunities for improvement. The majority of respondents replied negatively to these four dimensions. Among those who responded positively, the fear of infecting a loved one, staff shortages and overwork, the need for access to psychological support, and improving payments were among formal caregivers' primary concerns. Targeting supportive interventions for formal caregivers, clinically and psychologically, is essential to preserve caregivers' health. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(5), 39-44.].

[Factors associated with the perception of loneliness among older people living in the community]. / Factores asociados a la percepción de soledad entre personas mayores que viven en la comunidad.

BACKGROUND: Chilean community-dwelling older people are a vulnerable population with a high risk of being self-perceived as lonely. AIM: To examine the factors associated with the self-perception of loneliness in a group of Chilean community-dwelling older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study design with 540 participants aged 65 years and above (72.20 ± 6.22). Measures for sociodemographic, health status, and integral geriatric assessment were assessed. Correlations and multiple linear regression models were conducted. RESULTS: Factors such as low perception of social support in everyday situations or cases of emergency, experiencing high depressive symptoms, and perceiving a poor quality of life were significantly associated with a higher self-perception of loneliness. DISCUSSION: Preventive strategies and age-appropriate psychosocial interventions to mitigate or reverse the impact of these factors may be essential to reduce the self-perception of loneliness and consequently improve older people's well-being.

Evaluación del modelo de calidad de Donabedian en base a los criterios de Chinn y Kramer / Evaluation of the Donabedian quality model based on the Chinn and Kramer criteria

INTRODUCCIÓN: La evaluación de teorías es un proceso crucial para el desarrollo del conocimiento enfermero, permite seleccionar y utilizar la teoría en función de los problemas y fenómenos del cuidado, sin embargo, es escasamente realizada, especialmente en teorías de otras disciplinas. OBJETIVO: Analizar críticamente el modelo de calidad de la atención de salud de Donabedian, a través de la propuesta metodológica de Chinn y Kramer. DESARROLLO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-reflexivo del componente teórico y conceptual del modelo de Donabedian, se explica el propósito, conceptos, relaciones, estructura y supuestos. Se continua con la evaluación crítica del modelo, analizada bajo los criterios de claridad, sencillez, generalidad, accesibilidad e importancia, a través de una revisión narrativa de la literatura. CONCLUSIÓN: el modelo es útil para la gestión, los procesos de mejora, evaluación de estrategias y programas. Con valor para enfermería, puesto que coinciden en el significado e importancia otorgada a la calidad de la atención, reconociendo su contribución en la implementación, desarrollo de intervenciones y mejoramiento de la salud.

NTRODUCTION: The evaluation of theories is a crucial process for the development of nursing knowledge, as it allows the selection and use of such theories to address the problems of patient care. However, it is scarcely performed, especially with theoriesfrom disciplines other than nursing. OBJECTIVE: To critically analyze the Donabedian model of health care quality, through the methodological approach of Chinn and Kramer (1999). METHODOLOGY: A descriptive-reflexive study of the theoretical and conceptualcomponent of the Donabedian model was carried out, explaining its purpose, concepts, relationships, structure, and assumptions. A critical evaluation of the model was then conducted, using the criteria of clarity, simplicity, generality, accessibility, and importance, through a narrative review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The model is useful for management, improvement processes, and the evaluation of strategies and programs. It is especially valuable for nursing, since it coincides with the meaning and importance given to the quality of nursing care, recognizing its contribution in the development and implementation of interventions and improvement of health.

[The significance of menopause for Chilean women attending primary health care centers]. / El significado de la menopausia para un grupo de mujeres chilenas atendidas en el sistema público de salud.

BACKGROUND: Menopause connects a biological event with social representations related to aging Aim: To assess the meaning of menopause in a group of Chilean women attending primary health care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of a descriptive qualitative study of in-depth interviews to explore the meaning of menopause in fifteen women aged 55 to 71 years who experienced menopause between 2 and 29 years before. Data were collected using the method proposed by the Grounded Theory. Guba's criteria of scientific rigor were used. RESULTS: Relational analysis shows that menopause divides the life cycle of women into two stages related with the possibility of having children, which is heavily influenced by the cultural significance of menopause. CONCLUSIONS: Women perceive that menopause is a natural stage and that it is the end of a period focused on tasks related to reproduction and motherhood. However, that "normality" includes a suffering process, loaded with negative cultural beliefs about menopause passed down for generations.

El significado de la menopausia para un grupo de mujeres chilenas atendidas en el sistema público de salud / The significance of menopause for Chilean women attending primary health care centers

BACKGROUND: Menopause connects a biological event with social representations related to aging AIM: To assess the meaning of menopause in a group of Chilean women attending primary health care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of a descriptive qualitative study of in-depth interviews to explore the meaning of menopause in fifteen women aged 55 to 71 years who experienced menopause between 2 and 29 years before. Data were collected using the method proposed by the Grounded Theory. Guba's criteria of scientific rigor were used. RESULTS: Relational analysis shows that menopause divides the life cycle of women into two stages related with the possibility of having children, which is heavily influenced by the cultural significance of menopause. CONCLUSIONS: Women perceive that menopause is a natural stage and that it is the end of a period focused on tasks related to reproduction and motherhood. However, that "normality" includes a suffering process, loaded with negative cultural beliefs about menopause passed down for generations.

[Educational needs of parents of hemophiliac children: An approach to comprehensive care]. / Necesidades educativas de padres de niños hemofílicos: Una aproximación hacia el cuidado integral.

INTRODUCTION: In Chile, hemophilia was incorporated into the System of Explicit Health Guarantees (GES), which ensures access to treatment and financial protection for these patients. To support patients and their families, educational programs have been proposed that focus on managing possible complications of the pathology, first aid, and prophylaxis, however, there are no educational instances focused on the needs of the patients. OBJECTIVE: To know the educational needs of parents with hemophilic chil dren and adolescents regarding contents, people, place, methodology, and stage of the illness. Sub jects and Method: Descriptive qualitative study of 15 parents with hemophilic children in outpatient care. For the data collection, we used a semi-structured interview with five open questions, aimed at the search for educational needs such as what (contents), how (methodology), when (moment), who (person), and where (place) is education needed. For data analysis, were used the Berelson's content analysis technique. To guarantee the scientific validity of the qualitative results, the methodological rigor criteria of Guba and Lincoln were used. RESULTS: The most frequent educational needs reported by parents include content such as venipuncture training, injury prevention, pathophysiological as pects of the disease, among others; with methodology developed in group workshops and guided by a peer; in a comfortable and familiar place; in three stages of the disease's development (diagnosis, blee ding events, and development of autonomous activities), and provided by professionals and peers. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of educational needs is the basis for the creation of an educational program that guides the comprehensive care of hemophilic children and their parents.

Fear of Falling among Community-dwelling Sedentary and Active Older People.

OBJECTIVES: The study sought to compare community-dwelling older people with respect to their level of physical activity and to the fear of falls between a group of sedentary elderly and a group of active elderly. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with 113 community-dwelling older people (45 sedentary and 48 active), users of an outpatient care center of the private health system with a geriatric program in Santiago, Chile. The study measured socio-demographic variables, state of health, comprehensive geriatric assessment, exercise, depression with the Yesavage scale, and fear of falling with the Short Falls Efficacy Scale - International (Short FES-I). RESULTS: Sedentary older people have significantly higher scores in the Yesavage depression scale compared with active older people (4.2 versus 0.8). No statistically significant differences were found when comparing both groups of sedentary and active participants in terms of socio-demographic variables along with health, and functional and cognitive capacity. Regarding the fear of falling, the sedentary had a slightly higher score than the active (12 versus 11), although not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that fear of falling was equal in sedentary and active older people who live in the community, although it was found that sedentary individuals had a higher risk of having a positive screening for geriatric depression in those participants who do not perform physical activity.

Fear of Falling among Community-dwelling Sedentary and Active Older People

Objective. The study sought to compare community-dwelling older people with respect to their level of physical activity and to the fear of falls between a group of sedentary elderly and a group of active elderly. Methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with 113 community-dwelling older people (45 sedentary and 48 active), users of an outpatient care center of the private health system with a geriatric program in Santiago, Chile. The study measured socio-demographic variables, state of health, comprehensive geriatric assessment, exercise, depression with the Yesavage scale, and fear of falling with the Short Falls Efficacy Scale - International (Short FES-I). Results. Sedentary older people have significantly higher scores in the Yesavage depression scale compared with active older people (4.2 versus 0.8). No statistically significant differences were found when comparing both groups of sedentary and active participants in terms of socio-demographic variables along with health, and functional and cognitive capacity. Regarding the fear of falling, the sedentary had a slightly higher score than the active (12 versus 11), although not significant. Conclusion. This study showed that fear of falling was equal in sedentary and active older people who live in the community, although it was found that sedentary individuals had a higher risk of having a positive screening for geriatric depression in those participants who do not perform physical activity.

Objetivo. Comparar las personas mayores (PM) de un grupo de mayores sedentarios y otro no sedentario con respecto a su nivel de actividad física y al temor a las caídas. Métodos. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, realizado en 113 personas mayores (45 sedentarios y 48 activos) que viven en la comunidad de usuarios de un centro de atención ambulatoria del sistema privado de salud, el cual disponía de un programa de geriatría en Santiago de Chile. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, de estado de salud, de Valoración Geriátrica Integral, ejercicio, la depresión con escala de Yesavage y el temor a caer con el Short Falls Efficacy Scale - International (Short FES-I). Resultados. Las PM sedentarias presentan puntuaciones significativamente más altas en la escala de depresión Yesavage comparadas con las PM activas (4.2 versus 0.8). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar ambos grupos en cuanto a variables sociodemográficas, de salud y de capacidad funcional y cognitiva. En cuanto al temor a caer, los sedentarios tuvieron un puntaje ligeramente mayor que los activos (12 versus 11), aunque sin ser significante. Conclusión. Este estudio mostró que el temor a caer fue igual en PM sedentarias y activas, aunque se encontró un mayor riesgo de tener un tamizaje positivo para depresión geriátrica en aquellos participantes que no realizan actividad física.

Objetivo. Comparar idosos (PM) que vivem na comunidade em relação ao nível de atividade física e medo de cair entre um grupo de idosos sedentários e outro. Métodos. Estudo descritivo transversal realizado com 113 idosos residentes na comunidade (45 sedentários e 48 ativos) usuários de um centro de atenção ambulatorial do sistema privado de saúde com programa geriátrico em Santiago, Chile. Variáveis sociodemográficas, estado de saúde, Avaliação Geriátrica Abrangente, exercício, depressão com a escala de Yesavage e medo de cair foram mensurados com a Short Falls Efficacy Scale - International (Short FES-I). Resultados. PMs sedentários têm pontuações significativamente mais altas na escala de depressão de Yesavage em comparação com PMs ativos (4.2 versus 0.8). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas ao comparar os dois grupos de participantes sedentários e ativos em termos de variáveis sociodemográficas, saúde e capacidade funcional e cognitiva. Em relação ao medo de cair, os sedentários tiveram uma pontuação ligeiramente superior aos ativos (12 versus 11), embora não tenha sido significativa. Conclusão. Este estudo mostrou que o medo de cair era o mesmo em PM sedentários e ativos que viviam na comunidade, embora pessoas sedentárias tenham um risco maior de ter uma triagem positiva para depressão geriátrica naqueles participantes que não realizavam atividade física.

[Quality of life among frail older people]. / Fragilidad y su correlación con calidad de vida y utilización de los servicios de salud en personas mayores que viven en la comunidad.

BACKGROUND: Frailty has a great impact in the wellbeing of older people. AIM: To evaluate the quality of life of older people with and without frailty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed sociodemographic variables, health, integral geriatric assessment, quality of life using the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire and the level of fragility using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) in 538 participants. RESULTS: Three hundred and five participants aged 73 ± 7 years (229 women) were classified as fragile and 233 aged 72 ± 6 years (125 women) as not having frailty. Compared with their non-fragile counterparts, frail participants had a lower number of years attending school (5.9 and 7.4 respectively), a lower Barther index (93.6 and 98.3 respectively), a lower mini mental score (21.9 and 22.8 respectively) and a higher Yessavage depression score (2.0 and 0.8 respectively). Also, frail participants had a significantly lower total quality of life score and significantly lower scores in the physical and psychological domains. No differences were observed for the social and environmental domains. Older frail participants used health services more frequently than their non-fragile counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, frailty was associated with a lower quality of life and worse scores in several geriatric assessment tools.

Fragilidad y su correlación con calidad de vida y utilización de los servicios de salud en personas mayores que viven en la comunidad / Quality of life among frail older people

Background: Frailty has a great impact in the wellbeing of older people. Aim: To evaluate the quality of life of older people with and without frailty. Material and Methods: We assessed sociodemographic variables, health, integral geriatric assessment, quality of life using the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire and the level of fragility using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) in 538 participants. Results: Three hundred and five participants aged 73 ± 7 years (229 women) were classified as fragile and 233 aged 72 ± 6 years (125 women) as not having frailty. Compared with their non-fragile counterparts, frail participants had a lower number of years attending school (5.9 and 7.4 respectively), a lower Barther index (93.6 and 98.3 respectively), a lower mini mental score (21.9 and 22.8 respectively) and a higher Yessavage depression score (2.0 and 0.8 respectively). Also, frail participants had a significantly lower total quality of life score and significantly lower scores in the physical and psychological domains. No differences were observed for the social and environmental domains. Older frail participants used health services more frequently than their non-fragile counterparts. Conclusions: In this sample, frailty was associated with a lower quality of life and worse scores in several geriatric assessment tools.

[Changes in social psychological and functional variables among older people attending a day care center]. / Evaluación de la funcionalidad y fragilidad de las personas mayores asistentes a centros de día.

BACKGROUND: Older people attending day care centers improve their social activities, perception of quality of life and reduce their institutionalization rate and risk of mortality in the medium term. AIM: To evaluate the changes in the integral geriatric assessment and frailty of a group of older people attending a day care center in Santiago. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Health self-perception, integral geriatric assessment, Barthel scale, frailty indicators, mini-mental state scale, Yesavage depression score and a scale about solitude perception were evaluated in 35 participants aged 73 ± 6 years on admission and at discharge from a day care center for older people. RESULTS: At discharge, significant improvements were observed for depression, perception of social support and physical frailty. However, no changes in functional status, cognitive function and perception of solitude were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Older people attending improve their perception of social support and decrease their frailty and depression scores.

Evaluación de la funcionalidad y fragilidad de las personas mayores asistentes a centros de día / Changes in social psychological and functional variables among older people attending a day care center

Background: Older people attending day care centers improve their social activities, perception of quality of life and reduce their institutionalization rate and risk of mortality in the medium term. Aim: To evaluate the changes in the integral geriatric assessment and frailty of a group of older people attending a day care center in Santiago. Material and Methods: Health self-perception, integral geriatric assessment, Barthel scale, frailty indicators, mini-mental state scale, Yesavage depression score and a scale about solitude perception were evaluated in 35 participants aged 73 ± 6 years on admission and at discharge from a day care center for older people. Results: At discharge, significant improvements were observed for depression, perception of social support and physical frailty. However, no changes in functional status, cognitive function and perception of solitude were observed. Conclusions: Older people attending improve their perception of social support and decrease their frailty and depression scores.

[Fear of falling: Validation of a measurement tool in Chilean elderly living in the community]. / Preocupación a caer: validación de un instrumento de medición en personas mayores chilenas que viven en la comunidad.

INTRODUCCIóN: Fear of falling, with or without previous falls history, is a risk factor for decreased mobility, disability, as well as a decreased quality of life, and can trigger the self-restriction of activities with loss of independence and functionality. Validated tools for measuring the fear of falling in the Chilean population is a needed to detect those at risk. There are currently no validated instruments to measure this phenomenon in Chile. The aim of this study is to validate the Spanish version of the short «Falls Efficacy Scale-International¼ (FES-I) in an elderly population living in the community in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed using applications at baseline and 4 weeks. The short FES-I was translated using the back-translation method, evaluated by a panel of experts, and piloted in 10 older adults. After the pilot study, the final version was applied to a sample of 113 elderly persons. Data analysis used measures of central tendency, and reliability and confirmatory factor analysis was used. RESULTS: The Spanish version of the short FES-I showed good reliability and validity in an elderly Chilean population. CONCLUSIONS: This falls risks measurement tool can be used by clinicians and researchers in order to determine the magnitude of the problem and the impact of fear of falling on falls, functionality, and quality of life of the elderly who live in the community.