Search

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se compreender os significados da busca do equilíbrio na relação trabalho e família, conforme a percepção de 25 cuidadores de idosos, formais ou/e informais, casados ou em união estável e com pelo menos um(a) filho(a) com até 18 anos de idade. Para a avaliação, foi realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada para analisar as mudanças, dificuldades, estratégias e ajustes realizados desde o nascimento dos filhos. A interpretação dos resultados ocorreu a partir da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. A partir disso, foram construídas oito categorias: qualidade de vida; cuidados com filhos e idosos; casamento; trabalho e família: transbordamentos positivos e negativos; estratégias e ajustes; gênero; suporte social e jornada de trabalho. Nos resultados, observou-se que a conciliação trabalho-família pode ser estressante e cansativa, principalmente quando se tem filhos recém-nascidos, jornadas extensas e ausência de suportes. Porém, a realização de ajustes, estratégias, uso de habilidades sociais e apoio familiar e social são facilitadores do equilíbrio trabalho-família. Conclui-se que sejam realizados novos arranjos familiares, organizacionais e sociais que possam contribuir para que o desempenho dos papéis profissionais e familiares seja satisfatório e promotor de bem-estar.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação entre a restrição à participação decorrente de perda auditiva e a autopercepção da saúde, do suporte social e da qualidade de vida em pessoas idosas. Método Estudo com delineamento transversal, observacional, descritivo e com abordagem quantitativa dos dados. Foi utilizado um banco de dados com informações coletadas em um município brasileiro de médio porte, sendo incluídas no estudo 235 pessoas cadastradas em cinco unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Utilizou-se informações sociodemográficas, de saúde e os resultados dos questionários: avaliação à restrição à participação (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version - HHIE-S), Suporte Social (Escala de Apoio Social do MOS), Avaliação Subjetiva de Saúde e a Qualidade de Vida (Short-Form 6 dimensions- SF-6D). Comparou-se os grupos com restrição e sem restrição à participação segundo as variáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde, suporte social e qualidade de vida. Um método de regressão logística binária multivariado foi utilizado para avaliar as associações entre as variáveis independentes e a restrição à participação. Resultados O grupo com restrição à participação é mais velho, possui menor qualidade de vida e pior autopercepção de saúde. Esta se mostrou ser o único preditor da restrição à participação relacionada à perda auditiva. Conclusão A restrição à participação está associada a uma pior autopercepção de saúde. O estudo revela a importância de avaliar a autopercepção dos indivíduos quanto às questões biopsicossociais, além de considerar o contexto ambiental para a compreensão dos impactos sociais e emocionais da perda auditiva.

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization developed the "iSupport for Dementia" program for family caregivers of people with dementia. Objective: To explore studies on adaptation, randomized clinical trial protocols, and preliminary results of iSupport by unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia in different countries. Methods: Systematic review. Results: Ten cultural adaptation studies, eight randomized clinical trial protocols, and two preliminary results were included. Adaptation studies showed adjustments in terminology, design, and additional resources. Clinical trial protocols included burden as the primary outcome, and baseline, three months of intervention, and follow-up after six months. Studies with preliminary results found positive effects on the mental health and well-being of caregivers after using the program. Conclusion: iSupport is an online program of the World Health Organization in response to dementia in implementation in different countries.

ABSTRACT The sense of mastery is conceptualized as a positive aspect of care targeted at people living with dementia, a coping mechanism to reduce burden, and may represent a protective factor for caregivers’ mental and physical health. Objective: To translate and culturally adapt the Pearlin Mastery Scale for Brazil. Methods: A methodological study was conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos in which the initial translation stages were followed; synthesis; back-translation; review by the committee of judges by analyzing the Content Validity Index (CVI); and test of the pre-final version. Results: Two specialists translated the scale into Brazilian Portuguese and defined a consensus version with the researchers. Subsequently, another two specialists back-translated the consensus version, which was reviewed by three judges who are PhDs in the area, considering all scale items as very equivalent (CVI=1.0), and maintaining them in the pre-final version of the instrument. This was tested in a first group of caregivers for them to point out adjustments. The suggestions were accepted by modifying three items and, afterward, the scale was tested in a second group, which did not present difficulties answering the instrument. Conclusion: The Pearlin Mastery Scale was translated and culturally adapted for Brazil, showing equivalence. However, future psychometric analyses of the instrument are required to make it available for use in this population.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale is used to assess psychosocial benefits provided to caregivers by the task of caring. The PAC scale consists of nine items, assessed using a five-point Likert scale, with higher values indicating greater positive perceptions and gains from the caregiving experience. OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the PAC scale for informal Brazilian caregivers of people with dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A methodological study was conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos. METHODS: The following stages were carried out: Translation; Synthesis of the translations; Back-translation; Evaluation by an experts’ committee; and Pre-test. RESULTS: Two independent professionals translated the PAC scale. The consensus version was obtained by merging both translations, which were back-translated into English by a third translator. The expert committee comprised three specialists in the area and project researchers. All scale items presented a Content Validity Index of 1 (CVI = 1.0), and thus remained in the pre-final version of the instrument. The instrument was pre-tested with seven caregivers of people with dementia, the majority of whom were women (57.1%), with a degree of kinship corresponding to sons/daughters (57.1%) and an average age of 55.2 (± 4.1) years. The caregivers considered it clear and understandable and made no suggestions for changes. CONCLUSION: The PAC scale was translated and culturally adapted for use by informal caregivers of people with dementia in Brazil. However, a psychometric analysis of the instrument is necessary to provide normative data for this population group.

ABSTRACT. Unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia tend to suffer mental health problems as a result of the negative effects associated with the care tasks. Thus, psychosocial interventions for this population group are necessary. iSupport is an online support program for caregivers that was created by the World Health Organization. Objective: To describe the design of a randomized clinical trial to measure the efficacy of the iSupport-Brasil version on caregivers’ mental health and well-being. Methods: The participants will be randomized into Intervention Group (IG) (n=195) and Control Group (CG) (n=195). For three months, the IG will access the iSupport-Brasil platform, the CG will enter the electronic page of the Brazilian Alzheimer’s Association, and both groups will be emailed the preliminary version of the “Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa” e-book (a guide to providing care to the elderly) from the Ministry of Health. The data will be collected at three moments: baseline, and three and six months after the beginning of the intervention. Results: It is expected that it will be possible to provide diverse validity evidence about iSupport-Brasil as an online and free intervention alternative, as a preventive means and as a way to promote mental health among caregivers of people living with dementia. Conclusion: Through the evaluation protocol of this randomized clinical trial on the effects of the iSupport-Brasil program, it may become a reference for countries that plan to adapt and improve the iSupport program using digital health solutions.

Objective: To analyze the factors associated with physical frailty in community-dwelling younger-old (60 to 74 years) and oldest-old (75 years or older) adults in a region of high social vulnerability. Social vulnerability refers to the absence of or difficulty obtaining social support from public institutions, situations that hinder the realization of or deny citizens their social rights and affect their social cohesion, and the ability to react to high-risk social situations - associated health and illness. In this study, we used the São Paulo Social Vulnerability Index developed by the SEADE Foundation, which classifies social vulnerability based on socioeconomic and demographic conditions. Methods: Quantitative analytical study of 303 older adults. Fried frailty phenotype assessment was performed and the Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, and the Lawton Scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living were administered. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze data. Results: Of the older adults, 12.21% were nonfrail, 60.72% were prefrail, and 27.06% were frail. The single factor most associated with frailty was depressive symptoms (OR = 2.65; 95%CI 1.38 - 5.08) in the younger-old and illiteracy (OR = 14.64; 95%CI 1.82 - 116.51) in the oldest old. Conclusion: The factor most associated with frailty in younger-old adults (aged 60 to 74 years) was depressive symptoms, whereas in the oldest old (aged 75 or older), the factor most associated with frailty was being illiterate. The results of this investigation should prompt health professionals and managers to discuss and program new strategies for health promotion and prevention of factors that may aggravate frailty, respecting the differences found between older adults in early and later old age.

ABSTRACT. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as the use of music, have been shown to be important potential means of controlling adverse symptoms and signs resulting from chronic diseases already present in elderly patients with dementia. Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of concert music on cognitive and physiological parameters, and behavioral and psychological symptoms in institutionalized elderly people with dementia. Methods: A descriptive-exploratory, quantitative, quasi-experimental study was conducted with 14 elderly people. They were allocated in intervention group (IG) (n=7) with eight sessions of music listening, once a week, for 2 months, and control group (CG) (n=7) with the same procedure but without listening to the music. All participants were assessed by Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination – Revised (ACE-R) before and after the intervention. Blood pressure (BP) data were obtained; heart rate (HR) and coherence were obtained through Cardioemotion during sessions. The data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test. Results: There was a predominance of female participants, who were widowed and diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in both groups. A statistically significant reduction was found in the mean of apathy reduction (p=0.038) and the total mean of NPI-Q severity (p=0.033) (paired Student’s t-test) in IG. No significant differences were found in mean level of the pre- and post-analysis variables in CG. Conclusions: Concert music had a positive effect on the behavior of institutionalized elderly. Stimuli and possibilities of improving the current behavioral conditions are observed.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the burden and psychological symptoms of informal caregivers of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Cross-sectional study with 50 caregivers from the Gerontology Outpatient Clinic in the interior of São Paulo, evaluated in 2021 via teleconsultation by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Zarit-Brief Burden Interview. Poisson’s multivariate regression was applied to the two instruments scores according to the set of characteristics of the participants. Results Psychological symptoms were highlighted in caregivers with longer time in exercise (p=0.01; p=0.001) and who lived in the same environment with the elderly (p=0.04; p=0.02). Burden was associated with age (p

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the personal and work-related burden factors associated with physical and emotional symptoms of informal caregivers of the elderly. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted with 121 informal caregivers and 121 seniors who received care, assessed individually for the risk of: physical overload, musculoskeletal symptoms, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, effort perception, and Katz index. Results: a greater perception of effort raises up to 3.3 times the chances of presenting symptoms of pain in the spine region (p=0.01), and lower functional capacity of the elderly increases up to 1.3 times the chances of presenting pain symptoms in the spine region (p=0.02). The symptoms of emotional overload were associated with the caregiver’s low income (p=0.02). Conclusions: the perception of effort, dependence of the elderly, caregiver’s age, and symptoms of emotional overload are involved with caregivers’ symptoms of physical overload, and low income, with emotional overload.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors related to clinical-functional vulnerability in older people. METHODS: This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in 2018/2019 with 492 older adults registered in Family Health Strategy units in the city of Três Lagoas, MS, Brazil. Sociodemographic data were collected and the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (CFVI-20) was applied (possible score 0-40; higher scores indicate greater vulnerability). A multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for clinical-functional vulnerability. RESULTS: The sample's mean age was 70.80 years (SD, 7.82) and the mean CFVI-20 score was 9.25 (SD, 7.09), with 17.07% at high risk of clinical-functional vulnerability, 38.82% at moderate risk, and 44.11% at low risk. Low education, social isolation, difficulty sleeping, and being female were risk factors for moderate vulnerability. On the other hand, low education, social isolation, difficulty sleeping, physical inactivity, being female, not using alcohol, and not participating in social groups were risk factors for high vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS: The CFVI-20 is convenient for primary health care contexts, since it is fast and easy to apply. By recognizing factors related to vulnerability, specific preventive actions can be planned.

ABSTRACT. It is important to assess the prevalence of risk factors for dementia to slow down the progression and evolution of the disease, and to support interventions and prevention programs. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of these factors in individuals registered in Primary Health Care in Brazil and their relationship with sex and age group. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and quantitative study with n=300 individuals. We evaluated the prevalence of main risk factors (low education, hearing loss, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, physical inactivity, social isolation, and diabetes mellitus) and others (poor diet, alcohol use, head trauma, monolingualism, visual impairment, and sleep disorders) identified in the literature. Poisson regression was used, according to sex and age group (45-59 years/60+ years). Results: The main risk factors with the highest prevalence were physical inactivity (60.3%) and depressive symptoms and hypertension (56.7% each). Among the other factors, monolingualism (98.0%), visual impairment (84.7%), and irregular consumption of fruits (60.4%), and vegetables (53.5%) prevailed. No differences were identified between sexes. The regression analysis confirmed a significant difference for education and age group, with older individuals having a higher prevalence of low schooling. Conclusion: The results can guide interventions, especially in developing countries. Practice of physical activity and healthy eating should be the focus of these interventions as they can indirectly help in reducing the prevalence of other factors. Early identification, screening and adequate treatment of depressive symptoms, high blood pressure and visual impairment can also contribute to reducing the prevalence of dementia.

ObjectiveTo assess usability and acceptability of iSupport-Brasil (iSupport-BR) to virtually support family caregivers of people who have dementia.Materials and methodsIn the first stage, nine caregivers/former caregivers assessed the interface of the platform that hosts iSupport-BR. In the second stage, 10 caregivers assessed acceptability of the platform and answered the System Usability Scale (SUS), which varies from 0 to 100 points. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data was performed, as well as a thematic analysis on the open questions. All the ethical aspects were respected.ResultsThe results of the first stage indicated a user-friendly interface of the system and relevant content of the program, with 55.6 and 77.8% of the participants assigning the maximum grade to these questions, respectively. Of the five possible points, the system’s mean score was 3.7. In Stage 2, 80% of the caregivers rated the program as very useful and 100% would recommend it to other caregivers. Perception of the program’s usability by the SUS scale was excellent (M = 86.5 ± 11.5).ConclusionThis research allowed elaborating the final version of iSupport-BR, considering usability and acceptability of the platform and the program for computers/notebooks, being a pioneer in evaluating it for use in smartphones. Future research studies will have to assess the effects of iSupport-BR on the caregivers’ mental health.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the level of agreement between the Subjective Frailty Assessment (SFA) and Clinical Functional Vulnerability Index (CFVI-20) for the diagnosis of frailty in older adults. Methods: A descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018/2019 with 492 older adults at nine Family Health Strategy units in the city of Três Lagoas, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Frailty was assessed using the SFA and CFVI-20 in addition to a structured interview. The Wilcoxon test and Pearson's chi-squared test were used for the comparisons. Results: Agreement was 35.4%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.11. After dichotomizing the sample into frail and non-frail individuals, agreement was 70.1%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.41 and Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.61 and 0.74 for IVCF-20 and SFA, respectively. The prevalence of frailty was lower using the IVCF-20 (17.1%) compared to 59.8% using the SFA. Conclusion: Agreement regarding the classification of frailty between the two instruments ranged from low to moderate. This finding underscores the need for a standardized instrument for measuring frailty in community-dwelling older adults.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined as a slow, progressive, and apparently inevitable process of involuntary loss of muscle mass, strength, and quality, which occurs with advancing age. It is widely accepted that sarcopenia can directly affect quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Translate, adapt and validate the “Sarcopenia and Quality of Life” instrument (SarQoL) to the Brazilian context. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation study carried out at the Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: The population consisted of 221 older adult participants. The steps recommended by the guidelines from the authors of the original instrument were followed sequentially: initial translation, synthesis of translations, backward translation, evaluation by a panel of judges, pre-test, and analysis of psychometric properties. The translation and adaptation process was conducted as recommended. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-one participants took part in the step analysis of the psychometric properties of SarQoL, in which 55 presented sarcopenia. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the total SarQoL questionnaire was 0.976, indicating excellent internal consistency. Excellent agreements between the test and retest with an Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.983 (95% confidence interval: 0.901–0.996) were observed in the SarQoL domains. The domains of Short-Form 36 and EuroQoL 5-dimension showed significant correlation, from moderate to strong magnitude, with SarQoL total score, indicating convergent validity. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of SarQoL presented evidence of reliability and validity.

RESUMO Objetivo correlacionar variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde de idosos de diferentes grupos etários com a fragilidade. Método estudo quantitativo, transversal, realizado com 50 idosos atendidos em um Ambulatório de Gerontologia no interior de São Paulo. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e de saúde, sendo: fragilidade; desempenho cognitivo; dependência em Atividades Básicas e Instrumentais de Vida Diária e sintomas depressivos. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o teste de correlação de Spearman. Resultados houve o predomínio de mulheres, com média de 79,4 (±9,4) anos de idade e baixa escolaridade. Foram considerados frágeis 58,3% dos idosos entre 60 e 79 anos e 84,6% daqueles acima de 80 anos. No primeiro grupo, houve correlação entre a fragilidade e o maior número de medicamentos, pior desempenho cognitivo, dependência em Atividades Básicas e Instrumentais de Vida Diária. Nos mais longevos, a fragilidade correlacionou-se ao maior número de morbidades, pior desempenho cognitivo e dependência em Atividades Básicas e Instrumentais de Vida Diária. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: as correlações encontradas permitem o estabelecimento de medidas para aperfeiçoar o planejamento de ações voltadas à assistência ambulatorial, possibilitando organizar prioridades de prevenção e intervenção.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a relação entre o handicap auditivo e fragilidade em idosos residentes da comunidade. Método Estudo transversal realizado com 238 idosos (idade ≥ 60 anos), no ano de 2018. O questionário Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening version - HHIE-S, foi aplicado para quantificar o handicap auditivo. A fragilidade foi avaliada segundo o Fenótipo de Fragilidade proposto por Fried e colaboradores, utilizando os 5 critérios: perda de peso não intencional, fadiga relatada, redução da força de preensão, redução da velocidade de caminhada e baixa atividade física. A relação entre o handicap auditivo e a fragilidade foi realizada por meio dos Testes Kruskal-Wallis e Spermann. Resultados Maior percepção do handicap auditivo foi verificado nos indivíduos pré-frágeis e frágeis, comparados aos não frágeis. O handicap auditivo apresentou correlação positiva e estatisticamente significante com maiores níveis de fragilidade. Conclusão O handicap auditivo está relacionado a fragilidade em idosos da comunidade.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people, and check association with personal and work-related factors. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study. Instruments for assessment were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Borg’s effort perception scale and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: informal caregivers had been working for a longer time (60.2% vs. 41%), had more hours of work (37.4% >12h for day), less time off (85.4% vs. 2.5%) and lack of care guidelines (90.2%). The region with the most musculoskeletal symptoms was the spine and the greater dependence of the elderly, the greater the chances of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Providing care to an older adult is an activity that requires considerable physical effort and can cause stress and psychological strain, which accentuate factors that trigger the cycle of frailty, especially when the caregiver is also an older adult. However, few studies have analyzed the frailty process in older caregivers. OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of pre-frailty, frailty and associated factors in older caregivers of older adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted including 328 community-dwelling older caregivers. Frailty was identified using frailty phenotype. Socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical aspects, characteristics related to care and functioning were covariables in the multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty were 58.8% and 21.1%, respectively. An increased age, female sex, not having a conjugal life, depressive symptoms and pain were commonly associated with pre-frailty and frailty. Sedentary lifestyle was exclusively associated with pre-frailty, whereas living in an urban area, low income and the cognitive decline were associated with frailty. A better performance on instrumental activities of daily living reduced the chance of frailty. CONCLUSION Many factors associated with the frailty syndrome may be related to the act of providing care, which emphasizes the importance of the development of coping strategies for this population.

Objetivo : analizar la relación entre la esperanza y la espiritualidad de las personas mayores que juegan el papel de los cuidadores. Método : estudio de correlación de corte transversal. La muestra fue de 301 cuidadores de ancianos, registradas en las Unidades de Salud de la Familia. Los instrumentos utilizados en la recolección de datos fueron la Escala de Esperanza Herth y la Escala de Espiritualidad de Pinto Pais-Ribeiro. Resultados : los datos apuntan a la existencia de una correlación positiva de magnitud débil entre la esperanza de escala y las ̈creencias ̈ (r=0,174) y correlación positiva y fuerte entre la escala de esperanza y los dominios “esperanza/optimismo” (r=0,615) de la escala espiritualidad, con significancia estadística (p

Abstract Objective: to evaluate and compare the sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, anxiety and perceived stress of formal and informal caregivers of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease. Method: Quantitative, cross-sectional and comparative study with 44 caregivers that were divided into two groups of 26 informal caregivers (IC) and 18 formal caregivers (FC). The Instrument for Characterization of the Caregiver, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were applied. Results: Of those IC, the majority were women (96.2%), mean age of 52.9 years, majority represented by sons (daughters) (65.4%). They presented, on average, depressive symptoms (10.1%), anxiety symptoms (11.5%) and scored 32.1 in the PSS. The FC group, the majority were women (94.4%), mean age of 45.2 years were not related to the elderly people (66.7%). They presented, on average, depressive symptoms (7.1%), anxiety symptoms (6.4%) and scored 31.7 in the PSS. Conclusion: Similarities were shown in the sociodemographic aspects, but the groups differ in the health profile, revealing an alert for the planning of interventions looking for health promotion and disease prevention. Implications for practice: The study contributes to the improvement of the caregivers´ quality of life.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the functional capacity, cognition and mood in three different care models for older adults. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted in 2014 with 140 older adults (37 institutionalized, 53 hospitalized and 50 outpatients). The MMSE, Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Activities of Daily Living Scale - ADLs (Katz, Lawton) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were applied. Results: Of those institutionalized, the majority were totally dependent for ADLs and 100% presented cognitive decline. Of those hospitalized and the outpatients, the majority were independent for ADLs, with 62.3% and 48.0% presenting cognitive decline, respectively. The minority presented depressive symptoms. The results indicated that age was a predictor of cognitive decline and the likelihood of prevalence in hospitalized and outpatient older adults increased by 8.7% for each year of life. Conclusion: It is important to pay attention to the cognitive and functional performance of older adults with the aim of preventing their decline, which is so frequent in the public health services in Brazil.

A finalidade deste estudo foi identificar a dependência funcional de idosos e a sobrecarga do cuidador. Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico e transversal realizado em 2009 com 574 idosos e 124 cuidadores em Ribeirão Preto-SP, por meio dos instrumentos MIF e Escala de Sobrecarga de Zarit. Entre os idosos, a maioria era do sexo feminino (67,8%), com média de 76,6 anos, baixa escolaridade (54,7%) e renda individual mensal de R$ 942,20. Apenas 15,7% foram identificados como dependentes. Dos cuidadores, 85,6% era do sexo feminino, com média de 56,5 anos e 90,3% eram familiares (filhas ou esposas). A média de sobrecarga dos cuidadores foi de 27,8 (±17,5). A dependência do idoso foi fator de risco para sobrecarga do cuidador (pSe objetivó identificar la dependencia funcional de ancianos y la sobrecarga del cuidador. Estudio epidemiológico, transversal, realizado en 2009 con 574 ancianos y 124 cuidadores en Ribeirão Preto-SP, mediante los instrumentos MIF y Escala de Sobrecarga de Zarit. Entre los ancianos, hubo mayoría femenina (67,8%), media etaria de 76,6 años y baja escolarización (54,7%), renta mensual individual promedio de R$942,20. Sólo 15,7% fueron identificados como dependientes. Entre los cuidadores, 85,6% era de sexo femenino, media etaria de 56,5 años, 90,3% eran familiares (hijas o esposas). El promedio de sobrecarga fue de 27,8 (±17,5). La dependencia del anciano constituyó factor de riesgo para sobrecarga del cuidador (pThis study investigated the functional dependency of aged individuals and caregiver burden. This epidemiological and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 with 574 aged individuals and 124 caregivers in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, using the following instruments: Functional Independency Measure (FIM) and Zarit Burden Interview. Among the elderly, most (67.8%) were women with a mean age of 76.6 years, with a low educational level (54.7%) and an average monthly per capita income of R$942.20. Only 15.7% were identified as being dependent. Regarding the caregivers, 85.6% were women with a mean age of 56.5 years; 90.3% were family caregivers (daughters, wives), and the mean burden score was 27.8 (±17.5). The dependency of the aged individuals was a risk factor for caregiver burden (p

Este estudo investigou a influência do nível de independência funcional dos idosos com doença de Alzheimer segundo escores da avaliação cognitiva. A população foi composta por 67 idosos atendidos no Ambulatório de Neurologia Comportamental do Hospital das Clínicas/Ribeirão Preto, avaliados em 2008, por meio de um questionário para dados sociodemográficos, Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF) e Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM). Observou-se que o déficit cognitivo influenciou o desempenho na realização das AVDs. A média da MIF para idosos sem déficit cognitivo foi 107,7 e para os com déficit, 63,2 (pEste estudio investigó la influencia del nivel de independencia funcional de los ancianos con Enfermedad de Alzheimer según puntajes de evaluación cognitiva. La población se compuso de 67 ancianos atendidos en el Ambulatorio de Neurología Comportamental del Hospital das Clínicas/Ribeirão Preto/SP/Brasil, evaluados en 2008 a través de un cuestionario para datos sociodemográficos, Medida de Independencia Funcional (MIF) y Mini Examen de Estado Mental (MEEM). Se observó que el déficit cognitivo influyó en el desempeño en la realización de las AVDs. La media de la MIF para ancianos sin déficit cognitivo fue de 107,7% y para aquellos con déficit, 63,2% (pThis study investigated the influence of the functional independence level of elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease, according to cognitive assessment scores. Participants were 67 elderly individuals who received care in the Behavioral Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital das Clinicas in Ribeirão Preto. Participants were evaluated in 2008 through a questionnaire for socio-demographic data, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). The cognitive deficit influenced the performance in carrying out activities of daily living. The average FIM for elderly people without cognitive deficit was 107.7 and for individuals with deficit, 63.2 (p

ABSTRACT. The degree of burden related to the demands of daily care provided to a dependent older adult is important to evaluate due to the negative influence exerted on caregivers’ physical and psychological health. Objective: To analyze the validity of the 12-item version of the Zarit Burden Interview administered to older caregivers of community-dwelling older dependent individuals and suggest a cut-off score based on quartiles. Methods: Three hundred and forty-one older caregivers (mean age: 69.6±7.1 years; 76.8% women) registered with primary healthcare centers were evaluated using the ZBI-12. Additional evaluations addressed stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]) in the older caregivers and the degree of dependence of the older care recipients (Lawton and Brody [L&B]). Results: Cronbach’s alpha demonstrated very good internal consistency (α=0.81). Correlations were found between all ZBI-12 items and overall score on the PSS (r=0.53; p

ABSTRACT Objective: Assess the effect of a Health Education (HE) program on cognition, mood and functional capacity of participants in a University of The Third Age (U3A). Method: Controlled clinical trial. The HE Program consisted of 10 sessions with group dynamics, including orientations on disease prevention and cognitive stimulation exercises, lasting four months. Intervention Group (IG) n=13; and Control Group (CG) n=15. All were assessed at the start and end of the study, using Addenbrook´s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory (BDI/BAI) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Results: Significant improvements were observed for the IG when comparing the total ACE-R score (p=0.001) and memory domain (p=0.011) before and after the intervention. For the CG, improvement was found in the memory domain only (p=0.027). Conclusion: a HE intervention program benefits the improvement in cognitive performance, particularly the memory of adults and active elderly who participated in a U3A.

A finalidade deste estudo foi identificar a dependência funcional de idosos e a sobrecarga do cuidador. Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico e transversal realizado em 2009 com 574 idosos e 124 cuidadores em Ribeirão Preto-SP, por meio dos instrumentos MIF e Escala de Sobrecarga de Zarit. Entre os idosos, a maioria era do sexo feminino (67,8%), com média de 76,6 anos, baixa escolaridade (54,7%) e renda individual mensal de R$ 942,20. Apenas 15,7% foram identificados como dependentes. Dos cuidadores, 85,6% era do sexo feminino, com média de 56,5 anos e 90,3% eram familiares (filhas ou esposas). A média de sobrecarga dos cuidadores foi de 27,8 (±17,5). A dependência do idoso foi fator de risco para sobrecarga do cuidador (p

Abstract Objective: this study evaluated the effectiveness of a Gerontological Cognitive Stimulation workshop, aimed at improving the cognitive and functional performance and mood symptoms of senescent participants in an Open University for Senior Citizens. Method: An open controlled clinical trial with a wait list was performed, with 15 people participating in the intervention group and 16 people in the control group. At the beginning and end of the study (six months later) the Digit span, ACE-R, Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) tests were applied. Results: In the intervention group, there was improvement in the variables evaluated, with significant differences in the visuospatial domain (p=0.022), symptoms of depression (p=0.048) and anxiety (p=0.002). In the control group the symptoms of depression and anxiety deteriorated. Conclusion: The results suggest that the cognitive stimulation program has a beneficial effect on the mood symptoms of adults and elderly members of an Open University Program for Senior Citizens.

Resumo Considerando que avanços tecnológicos em saúde geralmente incorporam discussões bioéticas em textos que tratam do cuidado prestado por profissionais, surge a questão: o atual código de ética para fisioterapeutas incorporou essas discussões? Partindo desse ponto, objetivamos verificar a proporção das abordagens deontológicas e bioéticas no novo código de ética em comparação com sua versão anterior, investigando relações entre autonomia profissional e clientes no cuidado em saúde. Aplicaram-se métodos de análise de conteúdo em documentos escritos, a fim de verificar a proporção de conteúdos deontológicos e bioéticos no novo código. Os enfoques bioéticos formam a maior parte do conteúdo desse novo código (53%), principalmente em relação à categoria de justiça (21,9% do total das unidades textuais encontradas). As mudanças no documento revelam influência da bioética, mas não houve alterações significativas na relação entre autonomia profissional e clientes, o que mostra a necessidade de mais discussões sobre o assunto.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the effects of health education on both cognition and depressive/anxiety symptoms in the elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Method: this is a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Participants (n=22) were recruited from a specialized outpatient clinic, and assigned into two groups: a Health Education Group (HEG) (n=10) and a Control Group (CG) (n=12). The participants were evaluated before and after the intervention, which was composed of classes and dynamics. The intervention consisted of 20 meetings, over a period of five months. The assessment was performed by means of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination – Revised (ACER), the Mini-Mental State Examination to access participant’s cognitive state, and the Beck’s Scale to access depressive/anxiety symptoms. A Memory Complaints Scale (EQM) was also used. The analysis was carried out using the Student’s t test for paired samples. Results: the HEG group demonstrated an improvement in attention/orientation (p= 0,026), memory (p=0.001), language (p= 0.033), and ACE-R (p= 0.003). On the other hand, the CG did not present improvement. Conclusion: the results highlight the importance of non-pharmacological interventions in older adults with MCI to reduce cognitive deficits.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with depressive symptoms in the elderly inserted in a context of high social vulnerability. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 302 elderly people enrolled in Primary Care. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Shor-form-6D Quality of Life Questionnaire and Medical Outcome Study Scale. For data analysis, a logistic regression was performed considering two groups, with and without depressive symptoms. Results: A good perception of the quality of life (OR: 0.21) and receiving emotional support (OR: 0.98) were presented as protective factors for depression, have risks of malnutrition (OR: 4.87), belong to the female sex OR: 1.88) and living alone (OR: 2.34), indicated a predictor factor for depression. Conclusion: Quality of life and social support were identified as protective factors for depressive symptoms while being at risk of malnutrition, living alone, reporting pain and being female are predictors.

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar os cuidadores idosos que cuidam de outros idosos em contexto de alta vulnerabilidade social. Métodos: Estudo descritivo e transversal, realizado com 40 cuidadores idosos utilizando-se: questionário para caracterização do cuidador, Mini Exame do Estado Mental, Índice de Katz, Escala de atividades instrumentais de vida diária de Lawton, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e o fenótipo de fragilidade proposto por Fried. Para as análises, utilizou-se o Stata versão 11.0, de forma descritiva. Resultados: Houve predomínio do sexo feminino, da faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos, de indivíduos casados, com ensino primário, aposentados. Não possuíam plano de saúde. A maioria era pré-frágil, hipertensa e independente tanto para as atividades instrumentais quanto para as atividades básicas de vida diária. Não apresentavam indícios de sintomas depressivos, nem de alterações cognitivas. Conclusão: Conhecer o perfil dos cuidadores idosos é imprescindível para subsidiar os serviços de saúde no planejamento de uma assistência de qualidade.