Multidimensional Evaluation and Profile of Institutionalized Elderly in Pindamonhangaba-SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: With the increase in the elderly population, it is necessary to use tools that identify health problems efficiently, in primary care and in Long-stay institution for the elderly (LSIE). Objective: The present study aimed to identify and characterize functional alterations through multidimensional assessment of the elderly (MAE) and to estimate the prevalence of elderly people with a suggestion of Dynapenia. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Thirty-one elderly people of both sexes, living in two LSIEs in the municipality of Pindamonhangaba, were included. The instrument for the multidimensional assessment of the elderly proposed for this study was developed to be used in a primary health care outpatient clinic. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, history of personal morbidity, musculoskeletal symptoms, quality of balance, functionality, lifestyle, medication use, anthropometric measurements and quality of life were searched. Data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square method and the Bioestat 5.0 software as a support tool. Results: When evaluating the domains in the AMI, we identified: absence of upper limb dysfunction and a significantly high rate (p<0.0001) of lower limbs (90.3%), in addition to other disorders, including: hearing loss (29%); urinary incontinence (29%); weight loss (38.7%); cognition and memory difficulties (45.2%) and vision deficit (51.6%). Through anthropometric assessment, the high prevalence of overweight and obesity was identified. In average HGS of 15.7 Kg and SD of 7.9 Kg. Conclusion: The present study identified an important prevalence of physiological and cognitive alterations in institutionalized elderly people, allowing us to highlight the importance of making the screening of functional alterations in the elderly habitual, in order to allow the adoption of preventive measures to minimize the risks inherent to such disorders. , given the natural fragility of health related to the physiological condition of these patients, which may contribute to improving their quality of life.