FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF ELDERLY PEOPLE REGISTERED IN THE FAMILY HEALTH PROGRAM IN THE CITY OF JOÃO PESSOA - PB

Abstract

Objectives: To outline the functional profile and to identify which factors are associated with functional capacity in a representative sample of elderly registered in the "Family Health" Strategy in the city of João Pessoa - PB. Material and Methods: 401 elderly respondents were submitted to a questionnaire application with information related to sociodemographic characteristics, health status and functional capacity. Results: There was prevalence of women aged 70 years; monthly income between 1 and 4 minimum wages (85.5%); 50.4% perceived their health as fair; 56.1% had at least four diagnoses reported; 16.7% were restricted to home, and 19.2% needed a caregiver. Concerning to the degree of independence by the Katz scale, more than half the sample (87.0%) were classified as independent; 10.3% had mild or moderate dependence and 2.7% complete dependence. Association was found between functional performance in activities of daily living and the variables self-perceived health (p = 0.000), total diagnoses reported (p = 0.001), restriction to home (p = 0.000) and presence of caregiver (p = 0.000 ). Conclusion: knowing the characteristics and factors associated with decline in functional performance is important for healthcare professionals, once appropriate intervention strategies may be developed aiming to preserve the autonomy and independence by improving the quality of life in that population. DESCRIPTORS: Elderly. Health Profile. Family Health.