Association between sleep problems and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are frequently observed in older adults. They can lead to changes in the individual's physical, occupational, cognitive, and social functioning, compromising the performance of activities of daily living and contributing to the occurrence of functional disability. This study evaluated the association between sleep problems and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with data from 10,507 Brazilian community-dwelling older adults participating in the 2013 National Health Survey. The exposure variable was self-reported sleep problems in the last two weeks. The outcome measure was functional disability assessed from self-reported questionnaires, categorized into basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and defined as not being able to perform or having little or a lot of difficulty in at least one of the activities investigated in the domain of interest. RESULTS: Older adults who reported sleep problems had 1.53 (95%CI: 1.34; 1.75) and 1.42 (95%CI: 1.26; 1.59) greater odds of having a disability in BADL and IADL when compared to individuals who reported having no sleep problems. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with sleep problems were more likely to have a functional disability, both in BADL and IADL. Thus, it is important to implement strategies to screen for sleep problems in older adults in primary health care as a preventive strategy for functional disability.

Association of frailty with cognitive impairment and functional disability in older adults with affective disorders: a brief research report.

Introduction: The Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) is a validated multidimensional instrument that has been used in Brazil to evaluate functional disability in frail older adults. The main aim of this study was to assess frailty using this novel screening tool. In addition, to investigate whether frailty was associated with cognitive impairment and functional disability in older adults with affective disorders. Methods: Participants included were over 60 years old, with affective disorders (depressive or anxiety disorders), from two specialized outpatient clinics. The sample was comprised of 46 patients (30% of a total from 153). The following instruments were applied: Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); Verbal Fluency Test (VFT); Pfeffer Questionnaire or Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ); Katz Index; Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15); Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), and IVCF-20 as well as sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires. The association between the variables of interest was estimated using Spearman correlation. Results: This study found a negative correlation between frailty and cognitive decline (MMSE; rs = -0.58; p < 0.001); (VFT; rs = -0.60; p < 0.001); (CDT; rs = -0.47; p = 0.001) and a positive correlation between frailty and depressive symptoms (GDS-15; rs = 0.34; p = 0.019) as well as disability for IADLs (FAQ; rs = 0.69; p < 0.001). However, there was no statistical difference in the association between frailty and anxiety symptoms (GAI; rs = 0.24; p = 0.103) or disability for BADLs (Katz; rs = -0.02; p = 0.895). Discussion: Our data support that the associations between frailty, cognitive and functional disability are prevalent issues in Psychogeriatrics. Assessing frailty in a multidimensional context is essential using a rapid assessment frailty tool in clinical practice.

Myelin imaging measures as predictors of cognitive impairment in MS patients: A hybrid PET-MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is one of the concerns of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has been related to myelin loss. Different neuroimaging methods have been used to quantify myelin and relate it to cognitive dysfunctions, among them Magnetization Transfer Ratio (MTR), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and, more recently, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with 11C-PIB. OBJECTIVE: To investigate different myelin imaging modalities as predictors of cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty-one MS patients and 24 healthy controls underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessment and MTR, DTI (Axial Diffusion-AD and Fractional Anisotropy-FA maps), and 11C-PIB PET images in a PET/MR hybrid system. RESULTS: MTR and DTI(FA) differed in patients with or without cognitive impairment. There was an association of DTI(FA) and DTI(AD) with cognition and psychomotor speed for progressive MS, and of 11C-PIB uptake and MTR for relapsing-remitting MS. MTR in the Thalamus (ß= -0.51, p = 0.021) and Corpus Callosum (ß= -0.24, p = 0.033) were predictive of cognitive impairment. DTI-FA in the Caudate (ß= -26.93, p = 0.006) presented abnormal predictive result. CONCLUSION: Lower myelin content by 11C-PIB uptake was associated with worse cognitive status. MTR was predictive of cognitive impairment in MS.

Effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Aim: To analyze the effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Thirty-eight adults were randomly divided into three groups: resistance training (RG); resistance training with core training (RCG) and control (CG). Results: There were reductions in body mass index (BMI) in RG and RCG, waist circumference in RG and RCG, pain in RG, RCG and CG, CK in RCG, stress in RG and RCG, functional deficiency in RG and RCG and increases in trunk flexor and extensor strength in the RG and RCG. Conclusion: Resistance training, with or without core training exercises, reduced the levels of LBP, functional disability, stress and CK, and increased the strength of trunk flexors and extensors. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: ReBEC (RBR-5khzxz).

Resistance and core exercises can be an alternative treatment for adults with low back pain (LBP) that does not require any medicines. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of different exercise regimens on the health of people with low back pain. We divided adults with LBP into three groups: resistance training, resistance training with core training and a control group. We assessed the health of the participants by measuring certain chemicals in their blood samples, pain intensity, functional disability, perceived stress level and muscle strength. After 4 weeks, there were reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, pain, creatine kinase (CK ­ a natural chemical found in the bloodstream that may be higher when muscles are stressed or damaged), stress, functional impairment and increases in the strength of muscles involved in flexing the trunk (torso) in both intervention groups. Therefore, resistance training, with or without basic training exercises, is an effective form of treatment to reduce LBP.

A Longitudinal Study of Cognitive and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Disablement Among the Oldest Mexican Americans.

ObjectivesMexican Americans live longer on average than other ethnic groups, but often with protracted cognitive and physical disability. Little is known, however, about the role of cognitive decline for transitions in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability and tertiary outcomes of the IADL disablement for the oldest old (after 80 years old). Methods We employ the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2010-2011, 2012-2013, and 2016, N = 1,078) to investigate the longitudinal patterns of IADL decline using latent transition analysis. Results Three IADL groups were identified: independent (developing mobility limitations), emerging dependence (limited mobility and community activities), and dependent (limited mobility and household and community activities). Declines in cognitive function were a consistent predictor of greater IADL disablement, and loneliness was a particularly salient distal outcome for emerging dependence. Discussion These results highlight the social consequences of cognitive decline and dependency as well as underscore important areas of intervention at each stage of the disablement process.

Rasch analysis highlighted relative importance of walking and transferring disabilities among elderly in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines hierarchical patterns of progression in activities of daily living (ADL) disabilities among older adults in low- and middle-income countries. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Data from WHO's SAGE survey (2007-2010) on adults aged 60 and above in China, India, Russia, Ghana, Mexico, and South Africa, were analyzed. We used factor analysis and Rasch modelling to develop ADL hierarchies for cross-national comparisons. RESULTS: Data fitted the Rasch model well and Cronbach's α were 0.80-0.87 across countries. Based on scaled logit scores, "walking" was the most difficult item for older adults in five of the six countries. Older persons in developing countries also found "transferring" to/from beds challenging. "Eating" and "dressing" ranked lower in the hierarchies, thus perceived as easier than other activities. Sequences were most compact for China, Mexico, and India, implying that older adults in these countries who have difficulty "walking" are at high risk of developing the rest of the disabilities. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that used Rasch analysis to demonstrate that functional loss sequences in various developing countries share certain broad similarities. Interventions targeted at improving walking and transferring activities can help offset certain deficits in independent functioning for community-dwelling elderly in these countries.

The Association of Osteosarcopenia With Functional Disability in Community-Dwelling Mexican Adults 50 and Older.

Background: Osteosarcopenia (OS) has recently been described as a predictor of negative outcomes in older adults. However, this alteration in body composition has not been widely studied. In Mexico and Latin America, no information is available on its frequency or associated factors. Objective: To analyze the association between OS with FD in community-dwelling Mexican adults 50 and older. Design: Cross-sectional secondary data analysis was performed using primary data from a prospective study Frailty, Dynapenia and Sarcopenia Study in Mexican Adults (FraDySMex). Setting and Participants: Eight hundred and twenty-five people were included, 77.1% women, aged 70.3 ± 10.8 years old. Methods: OS was defined as when the person was diagnosed with sarcopenia (SP) plus osteopenia/osteoporosis. The SP diagnosis was evaluated in accordance with the criteria of the European Working Group for the Definition and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia (EWGSOP), and the osteoporosis diagnosis using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Muscle mass and bone mass were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). FD was evaluated using the basic activities of daily living (BADL) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Additional sociodemographic and health co-variables were also included, such as sex, age, education, cognitive status, depression, comorbidity, hospitalization, polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and nutrition variables such as risk of malnutrition and obesity. Associations between OS with FD were evaluated using multiple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of OS was 8.9% and that of FD was 8.9%. OS was associated with FD [odds ratio (OR): 1.92; CI 95%: 1.11-3.33]. Conclusions and Implications: Comprehensive OS assessment could help clinicians identify risk factors early, and thus mitigate the impact on FD in older people.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Factors in Older Adults: Amazonia Brazilian Community Study.

To investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and associated factors in the older adult Amazonia Brazilian community, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate 700 participants that were ≥60 years old. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed using the Numerical Pain Scale and the Roland Morris Questionnaire, respectively, and their sociodemographic, clinical, and behavior variables were collected, i.e., age, sex, education level, socioeconomic level, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, health perception, and emotional state. The punctual prevalence rates of LBP were 42.4% (95% CI: 38.2-46.6%), and for the last 365 days, these prevalence rates were 93.7% (95% CI: 91.3-95.6%), the mean pain and functional disability scores were 6.17 ± 2.13 and 11.30 ± 6.07, and the moderate-to-severe disability was 39.7%. Pain and functional disability were associated with sex, chronic diseases, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, health perception, and emotional level. In conclusion, the prevalence of LBP was high (for both punctual and the last 365 days), but the variables associated with being female, fewer years of schooling, sedentary behavior, diseases related to diet and the cardiovascular system, and impaired emotional levels had a higher level LBP, even though they considered themselves in good health. These findings can aid with coordinated efforts from government and health professionals to help manage and promote the prevention of LBP by considering the older adult population's needs in the state of Amazonas.

Productivity loss associated with functional disability in a contemporary small-scale subsistence population.

In comparative cross-species perspective, humans experience unique physical impairments with potentially large consequences. Quantifying the burden of impairment in subsistence populations is critical for understanding selection pressures underlying strategies that minimize risk of production deficits. We examine among forager-horticulturalists whether compromised bone strength (indicated by fracture and lower bone mineral density, BMD) is associated with subsistence task cessation. We also estimate the magnitude of productivity losses associated with compromised bone strength. Fracture is associated with cessation of hunting, tree chopping, and walking long distances, but not tool manufacture. Age-specific productivity losses from hunting cessation associated with fracture and lower BMD are substantial: ~397 lost kcals/day, with expected future losses of up to 1.9 million kcals (22% of expected production). Productivity loss is thus substantial for high strength and endurance tasks. Determining the extent to which impairment obstructs productivity in contemporary subsistence populations improves our ability to infer past consequences of impairment.

Dependencia funcional y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en adultos mayores afiliados al Seguro Social de Salud del Perú: análisis de la ENSSA-2015 / Functional dependence and type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly subjects covered by Peruvian Social Security: analysis of ENSSA-2015

RESUMEN Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de dependencia funcional y evaluar su asociación con la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM) en adultos mayores afiliados al Seguro Social de Salud (EsSalud) del Perú en 2015. Materiales y métodos: análisis secundario de los datos de la Encuesta Nacional Socioeconómica de Acceso a la Salud de los Asegurados de EsSalud 2015 (ENSSA-2015), una encuesta de hogares con muestreo probabilístico bietápico, representativa a nivel nacional de la población de afiliados a EsSalud. Se incluyeron adultos mayores (60 años a más) afiliados EsSalud. La dependencia funcional fue evaluada mediante el índice de Katz (≥ 1 punto). La DM fue evaluada mediante autorreporte del participante. Se estimaron razones de prevalencia ajustadas (RPa) por potenciales factores de confusión mediante regresión log-Poisson múltiple junto con sus intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%) y valores p. Todos los análisis tuvieron en cuenta el muestreo complejo de la ENSSA-2015. Resultados: se incluyeron 10 985 participantes de 12 805 elegibles en el análisis. Las prevalencias de dependencia funcional parcial y severa fueron de 12,9% (IC 95%: 11,9-13,8) y 6,0% (IC 95%: 5,3-6,7), respectivamente. La prevalencia de dependencia funcional (parcial o severa) en diabéticos fue 23% mayor que la de no diabéticos, luego de controlar por potenciales factores de confusión (RPa-1,23; IC 95%: 1,04-1,44; p=0,013). Conclusiones: cerca de uno de cada cinco adultos mayores afiliados a EsSalud tuvieron algún grado de dependencia funcional (parcial o severa). Asimismo, la DM estuvo asociada con una mayor probabilidad de tener dependencia funcional en esta población.

ABSTRACT Objective: to estimate the prevalence of functional dependence and to assess its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in elderly subjects registered in Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud) in 2015. Materials and methods: this is a secondary analysis of the National Socioeconomic Healthcare Access Survey performed in EsSalud members in 2915 (ENSSA-2015), a survey performed in households using two-stage probabilistic sampling that was representative at a national level of population registered in EsSalud. Functional dependence was assessed using the Katz index (≥ 1 point). DM was determined by participants' self- report. Adjusted prevalence rates (aPR) were estimated according to potential confounding factors using multiple log-Poisson regression alongside their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values. All analyses took into account the complex sampling used in ENSSA-2015. Results: nearly eleven thousand participants (10,985) out of 12,805 eligible subjects were included in the analysis. Prevalence values for partial and severe functional dependence were 12.9% (95% CI: 11.9-13.8) and 6.0% (95% CI: 5.3-6.7), respectively. The prevalence of functional dependence (partial or severe) in diabetic subjects was 23% higher than that of non-diabetics, after controlling for potential confounding factors (aPR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.44; p= 0.013). Conclusions: nearly one of five elderly subjects registered in EsSalud had some degree of functional dependence (partial or severe). Also, DM was associated with a greater likelihood for having functional dependence in this population.

Percepção do familiar cuidador sobre independência funcional, o nível cognitivo e o estado emocional do idoso / Perception of the family caregiver on functional independence, cognitive level and emocional state of older adults

O envelhecimento é um processo natural, caracterizado por mudanças físicas, psicológicas e sociais individualizadas que podem resultar no quadro de dependência funcional. Nesse contexto, faz-se necessário o auxílio de um cuidador, que geralmente é representado por algum membro familiar. O presente estudo é uma pesquisa experimental, transversal, de caráter quantitativo, que objetivou compreender como o idoso é percebido (avaliado). Foi realizado o questionamento do familiar cuidador sobre o estado geral do idoso, averiguando se a sua avaliação condiz com o resultado de escalas já validadas e que abordam os seguintes aspectos: a independência funcional, o nível cognitivo e o estado emocional. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste de correlação de Spearman com as variáveis: percepção do acompanhante (PA); nível cognitivo (NC); independência funcional (IF); e estado emocional (EE). A análise resultou em correlação significativa apenas entre as variáveis: PA e NC; IF e NC. O fato de ter ocorrido apenas dois resultados significativos sugere que o familiar cuidador apresenta dificuldades em captar/identificar qual o estado geral do idoso que está sobre os seus cuidados. Ou seja, possivelmente, questões como escolaridade, idade avançada, condições socioeconômicas, entre outros fatores intrínsecos do indíviduo podem determinar a capacidade perceptiva e empática, acarretando na redução da qualidade assistencial oferecida ao idoso dependente.(AU)

Aging is a natural process, characterized by individualized physical, psychological and social changes that can result in functional dependency. In this context, the help of a caregiver is necessary, and is usually represented by a family member. The present study is an experimental, cross-sectional, quantitative research, which aimed to understand how older adults are perceived (evaluated). Family caregivers were questioned about the general condition of the older adults, checking whether their assessment is consistent with the result of scales already validated. The following aspects were addressed: functional independence, cognitive level and emotional state. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation test with the variables: companion's perception (PA); cognitive level (NC); functional independence (IF) and emotional state (EE). The analysis resulted in a significant correlation only between the variables: PA and NC; IF and NC. The fact that there were only two significant results suggests that the family caregiver has difficulties in capturing/identifying the general state of the older adults who are under their care. Issues such as education, advanced age, socioeconomic conditions, among other intrinsic factors of the individual, can possibly determine the perceptive and empathic capacity, resulting in a reduction in the quality of care offered to the dependent older adults.(AU)

Perfis de integração social entre idosos institucionalizados não frágeis no município de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil / Social integration profiles among non-frail elderly institutionalized individuals in Natal, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar idosos não frágeis em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) em Natal, enfatizando a integração social em instituições filantrópicas e privadas. Os dados foram de pesquisa realizada em 2012. O instrumento utilizado foi o Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS). Realizou-se análise descritiva e, posteriormente, foram estimados perfis sociodemográficos e de saúde dos idosos a partir do método Grade of Membership (GoM) que permitiu identificar tipologias de integração social. Os achados indicaram que dos 68 idosos elegíveis, 63,2% eram do sexo feminino e 51,5% tinham 80 anos ou mais; 43% reportaram saúde ruim ou péssima. O método GoM caracterizou 3 perfis: um com maior presença de homens sociáveis/integrados, residentes em ILPI filantrópicas (22% dos idosos); outro, de mulheres isoladas em ILPI filantrópicas com condições vulneráveis de saúde e depressão (34,9%); um terceiro, de idosos sociáveis/integrados em ILPI particulares com boas condições de saúde, mas com fragilidade funcional e mais velhos (34,9%). O tema do estudo é relevante pois a institucionalização deveria manter ou até mesmo estimular a integridade e a independência do idoso em todos os aspectos da vida social dentro e fora da instituição.

Abstract The scope of this study was to profile non-frail elderly individuals in Long-Stay Care Institutions in Natal, emphasizing social integration and stratification in philanthropic and private institutions in 2012. The instrument used was the Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS). Descriptive analysis was carried out and sociodemographic and health profiles of the elderly were estimated using the Grade of Membership (GoM) scale to obtain social integration typologies. The results indicated that 68 elderly were eligible; 63.2% were female, and 51.5% were 80 years or older; 43% reported poor or extremely poor health. The application of the GoM method yielded three profiles. The first is characterized by the elderly with higher presence of sociable/integrated men living in philanthropic institutions (22% of the elderly); the second mainly encompasses women in philanthropic institutions, with vulnerable health conditions and depression (34.9%); the third is the profile with higher levels of integration/sociability in private institutions, but also characterized by elderly persons with functional disability (34.9%). This study is important since integration and independence must be a part of social life of the elderly irrespective of the place where they live.

Sedentary behavior and functional disability in older adults with low economic status: Monidi Study / Comportamento sedentário e incapacidade funcional em idosos com baixa condição econômica: Estudo Monidi

Abstract Excess time spent in sedentary activities may intensify functional losses among the elderly; however, information on the amount of time in sedentary activities related to these losses is still incipient. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive power of sedentary behavior (SB) and to establish cutoff points for functional disability (FD) discriminators in the elderly. A cross-sectional study was carried out with sample of 310 older adults with mean age of 71.62 ± 8.15 years, randomly selected and residents in the municipality of Ibicuí-BA. Sedentary behavior was assessed by measuring the time spent sitting on a usual week day and FD weekend and FD by the Lawton scale. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and SB discriminant criterion for FD was determined. The areas under the curve showed that SB has reasonable potential to discriminate FD. The times spent in SB that best discriminated FD were > 330 minutes / day and > 270 minutes / day for men and women respectively. Time spent in SB is an important health indicator and can be used in the screening of FD in the elderly.

Resumo O excesso de tempo despendido em atividades sedentárias pode intensificar as perdas funcionais entre idosos, no entanto, ainda são incipientes as informações sobre a quantidade de tempo em atividades sedentárias relacionadas a essas perdas. Objetivou-se determinar o poder preditivo do comportamento sedentário (CS) e estabelecer seus pontos de corte como discriminadores da incapacidade funcional (IF) em idosos. Estudo transversal com amostra de 310 idosos com média de idade de 71,62 ± 8,15 anos, selecionados aleatoriamente e residentes no município de Ibicuí-BA. O comportamento sedentário foi avaliado por meio de mensuração do tempo gasto sentado em um dia habitual da semana e no fim de semana e a IF pela escala de Lawton. Foram construídas curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) e determinado um critério discriminador do CS para IF. As áreas sobre a curva mostraram que o CS tem um razoável potencial para discriminar a IF. Os tempos em CS que melhor discriminaram a IF foram de >330 minutos/dia e >270 minutos/dia para homens e mulheres respectivamente. O tempo em CS é um indicador de saúde importante e poderá ser utilizado no rastreamento da IF de idosos.

Evaluation of functional disability after Chikungunya infection

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chikungunya (CHIK) is caused by the Chikungunya virus, which is an Alphavirus of the Family Togaviridae transmitted to humans through female mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the administration of a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and health variables and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire on general pain to patients with CHIK in the City of Imperatriz, Brazil, between January and December 2017. RESULTS Data of a total of 130 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 52 years (standard deviation=13.3); majority of the patients were female (n=120) with a prevalence of 38.0% for functional disability. Statistical differences were noted for marital status (p=0.037), presence/absence of comorbidities (p=0.050), and the use of medications prior to the diagnosis of CHIK (p=0.050), use of methotrexate (p=0.030), use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (p≤0.035), and use of nonhormonal anti-inflammatory drugs (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients in the chronic phase of CHIK present functional disability, thus alerting healthcare professionals to the importance of implementing actions aimed at an adequate treatment in all phases of the disease, mainly related to pain treatment and motor rehabilitation.

Frailty syndrome and socioeconomic and health characteristics among older adults / Síndrome de fragilidad y características socioeconómicas y de salud de los adultos mayores

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association of frailty syndrome with socioeconomic and health variables among older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational and analytical household research conducted with a sample of 1,609 urban elderly. We used: semi-structured questionnaire, scales (Katz, Lawton and shortened version of Geriatric Depression Scale) and Fragility Phenotype proposed by Fried. Descriptive analysis was performed along with a bivariate and multinomial logistic regression model (p <0.05). Results: The prevalence of pre-frailty condition was 52.0% and the fragility corresponded to 13.6%. Pre-frailty and frailty associated factors were, respectively: age range between 70-79 years and ≥80 years; one to four morbidities and five or more morbidities categories; functional disability for basic and instrumental activities of daily life and depression indicative; whilst lack of a companion or income and female gender were only associated to pre-frailty. Conclusion: The conditions of pre-frailty and frailty levels were elevated with negative effects on the health of the elderly.

Resumen Objetivo: Investigar la asociación del síndrome de fragilidad con variables socioeconómicas y de salud de los adultos mayores. Métodos: encuesta domiciliaria transversal, observacional y analítico realizado con una muestra de 1,609 personas mayores urbano. Fueron utilizados: cuestionario semi-estructurado, escalas (Katz, Lawton y depresión geriátrica acortado) y Fragilidad Fried fenotipo. Se realizaron los siguientes análisis: descriptivo, bivariado y modelo de regresión logística multinomial (p <0.05). Resultados: La prevalencia de la condición pre-fragilidad fue del 52.0% y la fragilidad correspondió a 13.6%. Los factores asociados a la prefragilidad y fragilidad fueron, respectivamente: a los intervalos de edad de 70-79 años y ≥80 años; una a cuatro morbilidades y cinco o más categorías de morbilidad; incapacidad funcional para actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria y indicativo de depresión; en cuanto que la ausencia de compañero y ingreso y el género femenino se asociaron a la prefragilidad. Conclusión: Las condiciones de los niveles previos a la fragilidad y la fragilidad fueron elevados con efectos negativos sobre la salud de los ancianos.

Functional disability in patients with low back pain: the mediator role of suffering and beliefs about pain control in patients receiving physical and chiropractic treatment.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. There is evidence that depression, anxiety, and external locus of control are negative predictors of functional disability in low back patients. METHODS: This study focused on the mediator role of suffering and beliefs about pain control in the relationship between psychological morbidity and functional disability in patients receiving physical therapy and chiropractic treatment for chronic low back pain. The sample included 213 patients receiving chiropractic treatment and 125 receiving physical therapy, who answered the following instruments: Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire; Inventory of Subjective Experiences of Suffering in Illness; Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire; and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales. RESULTS: Suffering was a mediator in the relationship between depression and functional disability in both treatment groups. Only beliefs related to external chance events mediated the relationship between depression and functional disability in the physical therapy group, but not in the chiropratic teratment group. CONCLUSION: Intervention should focus on suffering regardless of the type of treatment and target beliefs about pain control, in patients receiving physical therapy treatment since they seem to play a key role in functional disability in patients with low back pain.

Effects of Functional Disability and Depressive Symptoms on Mortality in Older Mexican-American Adults with Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of co-occurring depressive symptoms and functional disability on mortality in older Mexican-American adults with diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) survey conducted in the southwestern United States (Texas, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, California). PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling Mexican Americans with self-reported diabetes mellitus participating in the HEPESE survey (N = 624). MEASUREMENTS: Functional disability was assessed using a modified version of the Katz activity of daily living scale. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Mortality was determined by examining death certificates and reports from relatives. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to examine the hazard of mortality as a function of co-occurring depressive symptoms and functional disability. RESULTS: Over a 9.2-year follow-up, 391 participants died. Co-occurring high depressive symptoms and functional disability increased the risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.11-4.34). Risk was greater in men (HR = 8.11, 95% CI = 4.34-16.31) than women (HR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.42-3.43). CONCLUSION: Co-occurring depressive symptoms and functional disability in older Mexican-American adults with diabetes mellitus increases mortality risk, especially in men. These findings have important implications for research, practice, and public health interventions.

Prevalence of functional incapacity by gender in elderly people in Brazil: a systematic review with meta-analysis / Prevalência de incapacidade funcional por gênero em idosos brasileiros: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise

Abstract Considering that functional capacity is an important indicator of health in aging, the present study aimed to describe the prevalence of disability by gender among elderly people in Brazil through a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles about this subject. Articles published up to June 2013 were included, and a search was performed of the MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct electronic databases. The inclusion of articles in the systematic review was guided by the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A descriptive analysis of the selected articles was performed and expressed in a forest-plot type graph. Of 3,656 articles initially identified in all the databases, 2,585 duplicates were excluded and 23 articles were deemed eligible for review. Prevalence rates ranged from 12.3% to 94.1% for men and from 14.9% to 84.6% for women. The methods used to assess functional capacity in elderly people in Brazil also differed between the articles. This variation complicates the comparison of results between the articles, demonstrating the need for standardized methods of measuring functional capacity.

Resumo Considerando-se a importância da capacidade funcional como indicador de saúde para idosos e as informações dispersas sobre o tema em pesquisas brasileiras, este artigo teve como objetivo descrever a prevalência de incapacidade funcional por gênero entre idosos brasileiros por meio de uma revisão sistemática com metanálise de artigos referentes ao tema. Identificaram-se artigos publicados até junho de 2013. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicas MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science e Science Direct. A inclusão dos artigos na revisão sistemática foi guiada pelo Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) e pelo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A análise dos artigos selecionados foi feita de forma descritiva e expressa em gráficos do tipo Forest-plot. Dos 3.656 artigos inicialmente identificados em todas as bases, 2.585 duplicatas foram excluídas e 23 artigos foram considerados elegíveis para a revisão. As taxas de prevalência de incapacidade variaram de 12,3% a 94,1% para os homens e de 14,9% a 84,6% para as mulheres. Os métodos utilizados para avaliar a capacidade funcional em idosos brasileiros também diferiram entre os artigos. Essa variação dificulta a comparação de resultados entre os artigos, o que demonstra a necessidade de se utilizar métodos padronizados para mensurar capacidade funcional de idosos por gênero.

Happy life expectancy among older adults: differences by sex and functional limitations

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate if the happy life expectancy in older adults differs according to sex and functional limitations. METHODS Life expectancy was estimated by Chiang method, and happy life expectancy was estimated by Sullivan method, combining mortality data with the prevalence of happiness. The questions on happiness and limitations came from a health survey, which interviewed 1,514 non-institutionalized older adults living in the city of Campinas, SP, Southeastern Brazil. The happy life expectancy was estimated by sex, age, and functional limitations. Based on the variance and standard error of the happy life expectancy, we estimated 95% confidence intervals, which allowed us to compare the statistical differences of the number of happy years lived among men and women. RESULTS Differences by sex in happy life expectancy were significant at ages 60, 65, and 70. In absolute terms, women live more years happily. But, in relative terms, older men could expect to live proportionally more years with happiness. Happy life expectancy decreased significantly with increasing age in both men and women. Among older people living without functional limitation, differences by sex were statistically significant in all age groups, except at age 80. In the group with limitations, no significant differences by sex were found. Significant differences between the group without and with functional limitations were seen in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS Older men could expect to live a greater proportion of their lives happily in comparison to same-aged women, but women show more years with happiness than men. Functional limitations have a significant impact on happy life expectancy for both sexes.

Capacidade funcional do idoso hospitalizado: subsídios para elaboração de um protocolo de enfermagem / Functional capacity of the hospitalized elderly: subsidies for elaboration of a nursing protocol

Introdução: O número elevado de admissões hospitalares de idosos representa um indicador significativo para avaliação das condições de saúde dessa clientela. A admissão hospitalar pode ser um indicativo de fragilidade relacionada à perda de capacidade funcional, interferindo na qualidade de vida e aumentando os custos com tratamento. Durante a hospitalização cabe a Enfermagem avaliar continuamente esse idoso, identificando elementos que possam subsidiar o planejamento e implementação dos cuidados de enfermagem visando proporcionar uma assistência integral e segura, considerando as alterações inerentes ao processo de envelhecimento articuladas às decorrentes do adoecimento que repercutem diretamente na autonomia, independência e capacidade funcional dessa clientela. Objeto de estudo: Capacidade Funcional do idoso durante o processo de hospitalização. Hipótese investigativa: A capacidade funcional do idoso tende a sofrer declínio durante o processo de hospitalização. Objetivo geral: Elaborar um Protocolo de Enfermagem com foco na Capacidade Funcional do Idoso Hospitalizado; Objetivos específicos: Caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico e de saúde de idosos hospitalizados; Avaliar de modo sequencial a capacidade funcional do idoso, durante a hospitalização. Método: Estudo longitudinal, com abordagem quantitativa, envolvendo acompanhamento da capacidade funcional do idoso hospitalizado. Participaram 37 idosos, de ambos os sexos, internados nas enfermarias de clínica médica masculina e feminina de um Hospital Geral no município de Campos dos Goytacazes- RJ e de um Hospital Universitário no município de Niterói-RJ. A produção de dados ocorreu de maio à setembro de 2016, mediante análise documental inicial dos prontuários dos idosos hospitalizados, para caracterização do perfil socioeconômico e de saúde; aplicação das escalas de avaliação funcional: Escala de Katz, Escala de Lawton & Brody e Mini-Cog, para acompanhar a capacidade funcional dos idosos durante a hospitalização, semanalmente; elaboração de um protocolo de enfermagem com foco na capacidade funcional do idoso hospitalizado. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e inferencial; a análise do tempo de sobrevivência até o declínio funcional foi feita pela metodologia de Kaplan-Meier; a associação entre as variáveis e o risco de declínio da capacidade funcional no tempo de internação foi investigada por Modelos de Riscos Proporcionais de Cox. Resultados: Houve maior proporção do sexo masculino, baixa escolaridade e baixa renda; A faixa etária predominante foi de 65 à 67,5 anos com período de internação de 10 à 15 dias. O principal diagnóstico medico foi doença cardiovascular e a comorbidade mais frequente hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Constatou-se maior incidência de declínio no rastreio cognitivo, seguido das Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária e, por último, das Atividades Básicas de Vida Diária. A incidência de quedas foi diretamente proporcional à de declínio funcional. O tempo até a ocorrência do declínio das pontuações nas escalas foi de 14 dias ou mais para homens e 21 dias ou mais para mulheres. Foram considerados alguns fatores de risco aumentado para declínio nas pontuações das escalas, dentre eles a hipertensão arterial sistêmica, acidente vascular cerebral e número de internações. O protocolo elaborado espera fornecer subsídios para sistematizar a avaliação funcional do idoso durante a hospitalização e direcionar planejamento dos cuidados de enfermagem. Conclusão: A capacidade funcional do idoso tende a sofrer declínio durante o processo de hospitalização.Cabe ao enfermeiro avaliar a capacidade funcional dessa clientela modo a implementar cuidados adequados às demandas desse grupo, evitando compromometimento funcional e dependência. Identificou-se a necessidade de um espaço destinado à assistencia da população idosa. O planejamento de alta e o monitoramento dos idosos após a alta hospitalar foi sugerido. Espera-se contribuir para reduzir possíveis riscos da 6 hospitalização de idosos, com foco na capacidade funcional, e para melhorar a qualidade da assistência de enfermagem, centrada nas especificidades do idoso. A utilização do protocolo elaborado pode implicar na redução do tempo de permanência hospitalar dos idosos, redução dos custos gerados por este evento e no aumento da qualidade dos serviços prestados pela instituição à clientela idosa

Introduction: The high number of hospital admissions for the elderly represents a significant indicator for the evaluation of the health conditions of this clientele. Hospital admission may be indicative of fragility related to loss of functional capacity, interfering with quality of life and increasing treatment costs. During hospitalization it is up to Nursing to continuously evaluate this elderly person, identifying elements that can subsidize the planning and implementation of nursing care, aiming to provide integral and safe care, considering the inherent alterations to the aging process articulated to those resulting from illness that directly affect autonomy, Independence and functional capacity of this clientele. Study object: Functional capacity of the elderly during the hospitalization process. Investigative hypothesis: The functional capacity of the elderly tends to decline during the hospitalization process. General objective: To elaborate a Nursing Protocol focusing on the Functional Capacity of Hospitalized Elderly; Specific objectives: To characterize the socioeconomic and health profile of hospitalized elderly; To evaluate sequentially the functional capacity of the elderly during hospitalization. Method: Longitudinal study, with quantitative approach, involving the monitoring of the functional capacity of the hospitalized elderly. Participants were 37 elderly men and women hospitalized in the male and female medical clinics of a General Hospital in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, and a University Hospital in the city of Niterói, RJ. The production of data occurred from May to September 2016, through an initial documentary analysis of the medical records of the hospitalized elderly, to characterize the socioeconomic and health profile; Application of the functional assessment scales: Katz Scale, Lawton & Brody Scale and Mini-Cog, to monitor the functional capacity of the elderly during hospitalization, weekly; Elaboration of a nursing protocol focusing on the functional capacity of hospitalized elderly. Data were submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis; The analysis of survival time to functional decline was done by the Kaplan-Meier methodology; The association between the variables and the risk of functional capacity decline during hospitalization time was investigated by Cox Proportional Risk Models. Results: There was a higher proportion of males, low schooling and low income; The predominant age group was from 65 to 67.5 years with hospitalization period of 10 to 15days. The main medical diagnosis was cardiovascular disease and the most common comorbid systemic arterial hypertension. There was a higher incidence of decline in cognitive screening, followed by the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and, finally, the Basic Activities of Daily Living. The incidence of falls was directly proportional to that of functional decline. The time until the occurrence of the decline in the scales was 14 days or more for men and 21 days or more for women. We considered some increased risk factors for a decline in scales scores, including systemic arterial hypertension, stroke and number of hospitalizations. The elaborated protocol hopes to provide subsidies to systematize the functional evaluation of the elderly during the hospitalization and to direct nursing care planning. Conclusion: The functional capacity of the elderly tends to decline during the hospitalization process. It is up to the nurse to evaluate the functional capacity of this clientele so as to implement care appropriate to the demands of this group, avoiding functional compromise and dependence. It was identified the need of a space destined to the assistance of the elderly population. Planning for discharge and monitoring of the elderly after hospital discharge was suggested. It is hoped to contribute to reduce possible risks of hospitalization of the elderly, focusing on functional capacity, and to improve the quality of nursing care, focusing on the specifics of the elderly. The use of the protocol can lead to a reduction in the length of hospital stay of the 8 elderly, a reduction of the costs generated by this event, and an increase in the quality of services provided by the institution to elderly clients