Descrição
The aim of this study was to analyse the functional capacity of elderly people living in permanent abodes in the region of Alto Jacuí, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The study involved asylum institutions located in seven counties: Cruz Alta, Espumoso, Ibirubá, Não- Me-Toque, Saldanha Marinho, Salto do Jacuí and Tapera, where a total of 117 elderly were interviewed. The instrument used to collect data was “Minimum Data Set (MDS) – Version 2.0 – Simplified”. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics. The associations among the quantitative variables were estimated through the Spearman Coefficient Correlation and the associations among the qualitative variables through the Chi Square t Test. The differences among the averages of grouped subjects were evaluated using the t Student Test or the Mann-Whitney Test. Results point to a prevalence of females (63.2%), being their average age (81.84 years), significantly higher than the average age of the males (75.12 years). In relation to the Daily Life Activities (DLA), the bath, the use of the bathroom and dressing were the activities of greater dependence. It was not identified association among internment time, age and DLA. However, an association between equilibrium and DLA was found. At the end it was possible to note that the functional capacity is limited in the great majority of elderly people living in asylums.||Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a capacidade funcional de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência da região do Alto Jacuí. O local do estudo envolveu as instituições asilares situadas na região do Alto Jacuí, sendo entrevistados 117 idosos, de 7 municípios: Cruz Alta, Espumoso, Ibirubá, Não-Me-Toque, Saldanha Marinho, Salto do Jacuí e Tapera. O instrumento usado para coleta de dados foi " Minimum Data Set (MDS)- Versão 2.0 - Simplificada". Os dados foram analisados com a utilização da estatística descritiva, as associações entre as variáveis quantitativas foram estimadas através do Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman e as associações entre as variáveis quantitativas foram estimadas através do Teste do Qui-Quadrado. As diferenças entre médias dos sujeitos agrupados foram estimadas através do Teste t de Student ou pelo Teste de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados apontam uma prevalência do sexo feminino (6 Fatores determinantes da capacidade funcional entre idosos 3,2%), sendo a média de idade das mulheres (81,84 anos) significativamente maior que a dos homens (75,12 anos). Com relação às AVDs, o banho, o uso do banheiro e o vestir-se foram as atividades de maior dependência. Não foi identificada associação entre tempo de internação, idade e AVD's, bem como diferença entre gênero e AVD's. Contudo foi identificada associação entre equilíbrio e AVD's. Ao final pode-se perceber que capacidade funcional se apresenta limitada na maioria dos idosos asilados avaliados. Palavras-chave: Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos; Envelhecimento; Capacidade Funcional. Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyse the functional capacity of elderly people living in permanent abodes in the region of Alto Jacuí, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The study involved asylum institutions located in seven counties: Cruz Alta, Espumoso, Ibirubá, Não- Me-Toque, Saldanha Marinho, Salto do Jacuí and Tapera, where a total of 117 elderly were interviewed. The instrument used to collect data was "Minimum Data Set (MDS) - Version 2.0 - Simplified". Data were analysed through descriptive statistics. The associations among the quantitative variables were estimated through the Spearman Coefficient Correlation and the associations among the qualitative variables through the Chi Square t Test. The differences among the averages of grouped subjects were evaluated using the t Student Test or the Mann-Whitney Test. Results point to a prevalence of females (63.2%), being their average age (81.84 years), significantly higher than the average age of the males (75.12 years). In relation to the Daily Life Activities (DLA), the bath, the use of the bathroom and dressing were the activities of greater dependence. It was not identified association among internment time, age and DLA. However, an association between equilibrium and DLA was found. At the end it was possible to note that the functional capacity is limited in the great majority of elderly people living in asylums. Key words: Homes for the Aged; Aging; Functional Capacity.
