FIBRA Study Research Articles

Low grip strength and gait speed as markers of dependence regarding basic activities of daily living: the FIBRA study.

Marincolo et al. showed that older adults without limitations in basic activities of daily living at baseline presented with an 11.7% concomitant presence of functional dependence, slow gait speed, and low muscle strength at follow-up. Slow gait speed remains a predictor of dependence in basic activities of daily living. To determine whether low muscle strength and low gait speed increase the risk of disability related to basic activities of daily living in community-dwelling older adults. A longitudinal study (9 years of follow-up) was conducted with 390 older adults who were independent in basic activities of daily living at baseline and answered the Katz Index at follow-up. Associations were determined using Pearson's χ2 test with a 5% significance level and logistic regression analysis. Increases in prevalence between baseline and follow-up were observed for low muscle strength (17.5%-38.2%), slow gait speed (26.0%-81.1%), and functional dependence (10.8%-26.6%). At follow-up, 11.7% of the participants had concomitant functional dependence, slow gait speed, and low muscle strength. Slow gait speed remained a predictor of dependence in basic activities of daily living (odds ratio=1.90; 95% confidence interval=1.06-3.41). Slow gait speed is a predictor of functional dependence, constituting an important variable for screening functional decline.

Cognition, functionality, and life space in older adults: the mediating role of perceived control and autonomy

Objectives: To examine a model of associations between cognition, functionality, and lifespace mobility, and the mediating role of perceived control and autonomy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of older adults aged over 72 years, which used data from the FIBRA study. We used the structural equation modeling technique. Variables in this model were cognition, functionality, perceived control and autonomy, and life-space mobility, with sociodemographic and health covariables. Data imputation was done through the expected maximization method aiming at more effective data utilization. This study was funded by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. Results: The mediation model reached good fit indices. Cognition, functionality, and perceived control and autonomy demonstrated a predictive capacity for life space. Functionality and perceived control and autonomy mediated the relationship between cognition and life space; therefore, cognition influences life space, given its associations with the mediating variables. There was a mediating effect of perceived control and autonomy on the relationship between functionality and life space. Conclusions: Perceived control and autonomy have an adaptive role when considering changes in personal competencies. This adaptation is reflected on life spaces, indicating an adjustment between competence and environment. Studies aimed at promoting a good relationship between an individual and his or her context maintaining life space should consider perceived control and autonomy as important mechanisms in this relationship.

Weight loss severity and functional decline among the oldest old in a middle-income country: The FIBRA study longitudinal findings

Nutritional status is a key modifiable risk factor associated with disability, and further evidence suggests that weight change is also linked to this adverse outcome. Thus, this study aims to evaluate weight loss severity and functional decline in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in a seven-year period among a sample of Brazilian oldest-old adults. Longitudinal prospective study using data from the FIBRA study (Frailty in Older Brazilians), a population-based investigation carried out in 2008/2009, with follow-up data collected in 2016/2017 from participants who were 80 years and older in the follow-up in Campinas, Brazil. Of the 167 participants with complete data in 2016-2017, 16 had improved their functional status and were excluded, so the final sample was restricted to 151 participants who maintained or declined functional status. We considered functional decline when a subject had greater IADL dependencies at follow-up than baseline. Logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of weight loss, according to severity (moderate weight loss: 5-10% of body weight; severe weight loss >10%) in increasing the number of disabilities than the group with stable weight, controlling for covariates (gender, age, education, and morbidity). An alpha level of <5% was adopted. During the follow-up period, 60.3% of the participants kept stable weight, 21.8% had moderate weight loss, and 17.9% had severe weight loss. During the follow-up, only severe weight loss was associated with a higher risk of functional decline (OR=2.74; p=0.032). Severe weight loss was associated with functional decline. This finding reinforces the importance of early identification of weight loss among older adults.

Self-assessed masticatory function and frailty in Brazilian older adults: the FIBRA Study.

To investigate the relationship between the masticatory function and the frailty of older people. Exploratory cross-sectional study using secondary data from the FIBRA Project on the frailty conditions of older people living in urban areas of six Brazilian municipalities, from 2008 to 2009. The population consisted of older adults aged 65 and over with no cognitive impairment. A single session identification questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied, followed by collecting sociodemographic data and data on the participants' self-assessment of masticatory function, general health, and oral health. 2,341 older people (164 frail older adults), of whom 63.2% reported not having seen a dentist in the last year, and approximately 26% of them had three or more functional feeding problems. Older participants (OR = 2.88; 95%CI: 2.01-4.13), who are retired (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.18-5.53), those who were depressed (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.58-3.38), and those who self-assessed their general health as worse compared to others of the same age (OR = 3.91; 95%CI: 2.39-6.40) were at higher risk of frailty. Three or more problems related to the functional aspects of mastication were associated with a greater chance of frailty (OR = 2.06; 95%CI: 1.25-3.41). This study found an association between masticatory function and a greater chance of frailty among the studied population.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Use of Health Services among Older Brazilian Adults according to Frailty: Evidence from the Fibra Study

Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Use of Health Services among Older Brazilian Adults according to Frailty: Evidence from the Fibra Study

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis considerando determinantes sociodemográficos em coorte de idosos

Abstract Objective To analyze the differences between the proportions of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) at two time periods, in a cohort of older adults, based on sociodemographic determinants. Method This is a retrospective longitudinal study with baseline data obtained in 2008-2009 and follow-up in 2016-2017, from the FIBRA Study. The McNemar test was used to compare the frequencies of CNCDs according to sex, age, and education, with a significance level of 5% (p&lt;0.05). Results The sample consisted of 453 older adults (mean age 72±5.2 years old; 69.4% women). There was an increase in the proportions of arterial hypertension (64.4% versus 71.1%) and diabetes mellitus (21.9% versus 27.5%) in the periods studied, and a reduction in rheumatologic disease (43.6% versus 35.8%) and depression (21.7% versus 15.7%). Hypertension increased in older women, in those aged 65-74 years old and those with low education levels. Diabetes increased in older men, in those over 65 years of age and those with low education levels. A reduction in the proportions of rheumatologic diseases and depression was observed in women, in those aged 65-74 years old and those with low education levels. Conclusion The data reflect the need to understand the sociodemographic health determinants involved in the health-disease-care process to reduce social inequities and the burden of CNCDs in the most vulnerable population segments, especially in the older adult population with multimorbidity.

Ways of living in old age: lessons from the FIBRA Study

Ways of living in old age: lessons from the FIBRA Study

Diabetes mellitus em idosos, prevalência e incidência: resultados do Estudo Fibra

Abstract Objective to estimate the prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus in a retrospective cohort of older adults, identify the main factors associated with the disease for both periods 2008-2009 and 2016-2017 and describe the prevalence of diabetes according to overweight status. Method a retrospective longitudinal study with 442 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years old) participating in the FIBRA study (baseline 2008-2009 and follow-up 2016-2017) in Campinas and Ermelino Matarazzo (São Paulo State). Prevalences were estimated and associations were verified using Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test (p&lt;0.05). Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios for sex, age and education were also estimated using Poisson regression. Results the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased from 21.95% to 27.46% in nine years (p=0.001), and the incidence was 5.51%. At baseline, the prevalence was higher among older adults who were overweight and had a worse perception of health. Overweight status remained associated at follow-up, together with the presence of two or more chronic diseases and the consumption of 3 to 5 snacks/day. Conclusion in 2008-2009, one in five older adults had diabetes and, in 2016-2017, this ratio was about one in four. The importance of being overweight in determining the disease in both periods is highlighted. Educational interventions, expansion of care coverage, greater frequency of care and multi-professional assessment that considers comorbidities, the social and family insertion of the older adult, and their support network are required.

Perda de função mastigatória e risco de fragilidade em idosos vivendo em domicílios familiares no Estado de São Paulo

Abstract Objective To verify if the loss of masticatory function increases the risk of frailty in community-dwelling older people in the state of São Paulo. Methods A prospective cohort design was adopted based on the FIBRA study database (Fragility in Brazilian Elderly), with a baseline performed in 2008-2009 and follow-up in 2016-2018, elapsed on average 100.2 ± 9.2 months. The outcome variable was the incidence of frailty. The exposure variable was masticatory function according to edentulism and self-reported chewing difficulty. Adjustment variables were sociodemographic, behavioral, and general health conditions. A Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to estimate the relative risk. Results the cumulative incidence of frailty over eight years was 30 cases per 100 edentulous participants with chewing difficulties, who had a higher risk of developing frailty (RR: 1.75 95% CI 1.09-2.81) than the dentate elderly without chewing difficulties, regardless of smoking (RR: 1.71 95% CI 1.07-2.73) and socioeconomic status (RR: 1.72 95% CI 1.13-2.62) Conclusion Loss of masticatory function increases the risk of frailty in older people. Future research should study whether the rehabilitation of oral function reduces this risk.

Propósito de vida e desempenho de atividades avançadas de vida diária em idosos mais velhos

Abstract Objective To verify the association between purpose in life (PL) and the performance in advanced (AADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living. Methods Cross-sectional community-based study which analyzed data from the follow-up assessment of the FIBRA Study (Frailty in Elderly Brazilians) in the cities of Campinas and Ermelino Matarazzo (SP), Brazil, in 2016 and 2017. Participants were 187 community dwelling persons aged 80 years and older. The protocol included the application of a cognitive deficit screening test suggestive of dementia, an inventory assessing AADL, the Lawton and Brody scale (IADL), the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Ryff and Keyes’ (1995) Purpose in Life Scale. Results Participants had an average of 83.81 (±3.60) years, 4.38 (± 3.76) years of schooling, 3.49 minimum wages (±2.61) of income, 125 (66.8%) being women. Hierarchical linear regression analyzes showed that PV and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a higher number of AADL (p=0.003) and no significant association with IADL scores (0.580), in a model adjusted for sociodemographic variables, self-rated health, cognitive performance and depression. Conclusions The results suggest that older adults with higher PL and lower number of depression symptoms are more likely to perform a higher number of AADL. This association was not observed for IADL, which were associated with age, sex, depression and cognitive performance. PL may have an impact on complex levels of functional status in the elderly, thus contributing to healthy aging.

Fragilidade, depressão e mortalidade em uma coorte de pessoas idosas residentes na comunidade

Abstract Objective To estimate the risk represented by the combined conditions of frailty and depression in relation to mortality in a cohort of older adults in a prospective measure. Method Prospective cohort study derived from baseline (2008/2009) and follow-up (2016/2017) measurements of the FIBRA Study - Polo Unicamp. Data from 739 older adults (67,2% female; 73,1+5.87 years) living in two urban centers in the state of São Paulo (Brazil) were analyzed to examine survival curves and to estimate mortality risk. The analyzes included four conditions resulting from the combination of depression (presence x absence of symptoms) and frailty (frail x robust) and the covariates sex, age, education, cognitive performance and comorbidities. Results The percentage of deaths was 25.7%. There were significant differences between the survival curves regarding the combinations between frailty and depression. Male sex, age over 75 years, low education, low cognitive performance and the combinations “depression-robust”, “depression-frail” and “no depression-frail” presented independent risks for mortality. In the multivariate model, the highest risks were given, respectively, by older ages, the combinations “depression-robust”, “depression-frail”, “no depression-frail”, male sex and lower cognitive performance. Conclusion Combinations between frailty and depression can result in differences in survival and mortality among older adults. In the nine-year period, depression proved to be the ordering variable of the groups in relation to risk estimates, even in the presence of important covariates. Investments in the prevention of both syndromes and their associations may result in a decrease in mortality in older people from general causes.

Prevalência e incidência de deficit cognitivo em pessoas idosas: associações com atividade física no lazer

Abstract Objective Describing the prevalence and incidence of cognitive impairment in older adults, considering the isolated and combined presence of leisure-time physical activities, hypertension, and obesity. Methods An observational, analytical, cohort study was conducted based on the data records of baseline (2008-2009) and follow-up (2016-2017) from the Campinas FIBRA Study. Screening for dementia and self-report measures concerning the number of weekly hours of low and moderate levels of leisure-time physical activities, hypertension, and nutritional status based on the body mass index (BMI) were applied. Results There were 394 aged participants; 71.8% were female and 74.4% had less than four years of formal education. The mean age at the baseline was 72.8±5.3 years old, and at follow-up was 81.4±4.8. At baseline, the most prevalent concurrent conditions were physical inactivity and hypertension (21.5%), and the least prevalent were physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension and cognitive deficit (0.6%). Associations were observed between physical inactivity at follow-up, or for both measurement periods, and cognitive impairment at follow-up. Inactive participants at the baseline showed a higher incidence ratio of cognitive impairment at follow-up, adjusted for sex, age, education, nutritional status and hypertension (RI=2.27; 95%CI: 1.49-3.45; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion Prevalence and incidence of cognitive deficit mostly reflected the influence of low levels of leisure-time physical activity at baseline and follow-up.

Incontinência urinária, senso de controle e autonomia, e participação social em idosos residentes na comunidade

Abstract Objective Identify the presence of urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and test a model of direct and indirect associations with the psychosocial variables sense of control/autonomy and social participation in community-dwelling older adults. Method Cross-sectional study conducted with 419 adults aged 72 years or over (70.2% female) participating in the follow-up survey of the FIBRA Study - Polo Unicamp. Age, sex and educational level were the sociodemographic variables selected as antecedents of the relationship between UI and social participation. A sense of control/autonomy was tested as a mediator of these relationships in a path analysis through structural equation modelling. Results UI was reported by 38% of the sample, with significant differences according to sex (41% female versus 31.3% male). Three levels of social participation were proposed, based on the degree of interaction between the individual and society. The model of relationships explained 15% of the variance in social participation. Direct effects were observed between control/autonomy and social participation; indirect effects between education and participation, mediated by the presence of UI. Conclusion UI contributed to restrictions in social participation at all levels. Control/autonomy, although related, did not prove to be a psychological mediator for the relationship between UI and participation. The presence of UI potentialized the disadvantageous relationships between education and social participation. As modifiable factors, the treatment and management of UI through clinical and psychosocial initiatives can act to reduce negative psychological effects and reduce socioeconomic inequalities in social participation.

Risk of all-cause mortality and its association with health status in a cohort of community-dwelling older people: FIBRA study.

This article aims to estimate the risk of death according to sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, frailty, functional capacity, and social participation in older people as well as determine the median time of death in relation to health status and social participation. A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted with older people (≥65 years) in 2008-09 and 2016-17 in the city of Campinas and the subdistrict of Ermelino Matarazzo in the city of São Paulo. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at community centers and the participants' homes. The cumulative incidence of death was estimated and associations with the predictor variables were analyzed using Poisson multiple regression. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were also used. Among the 741 individuals located at follow-up, 192 had deceased. The incidence of death was higher among those who reported having heart disease and those who were dependent on others regarding the performance of instrumental activities of daily living. The incidence of death was lower among women, individuals in the highest income stratum, and those who performed three or more activities related to social inclusion. No differences in median survival times were found. Predictors of mortality can contribute to broadening knowledge on the singularities of the aging process.

Difficulty in taking medication and stroke among older adults with systemic arterial hypertension: the Fibra Study.

This article aims to investigate whether difficulty in taking medication is associated with stroke among older adults with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) and to explore their association with living arrangements. Cross-sectional study was based on 3,502 older adults with SAH from the four universities pole of Frailty in Brazilian Older People (Fibra) Study, Brazil, including 14 municipalities of the five Brazilian regions. We used the medical diagnosis of stroke and difficulty in taking medications (self-reported difficulty and financial difficulty affording prescribed medications). Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. Differently from women, older men with SAH, which report difficulty in taking medication (unintentional non-adherence), have higher odds of stroke. When stratified by living arrangements, those living with a partner have even higher odds of stroke compared to those without difficulty in taking medication and living alone. None association was found for difficulty affording prescribed medication for both men and women. Unintentional difficulty in taking medication plays a role in SAH treatment among men. Primary care strategies for controlling blood pressure should not be focus only on patients but targeting spouses as well.

Probable sarcopenia is associated with cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults: results from the FIBRA study.

The link between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment has not yet been thoroughly evaluated, especially among older adults. To evaluate the relationship between probable sarcopenia and cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults in two Brazilian cities. Probable sarcopenia was assessed using the EWGSOP2 (2018) criteria. Thus, participants were classified as probably having sarcopenia if they had SARC-F (Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls) ≥4 points and low grip strength. Cognitive function was evaluated through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), verbal fluency (VF) and clock drawing test (CDT). In a sample of 529 older adults (mean age 80.8±4.9 years; mean education 4.2±3.67 years; 70.1% women), 27.3% of the participants had SARC-F≥4, 38.3% had low grip strength and 13.6% were classified as probable sarcopenia cases. After adjusting for possible confounders (age, sex, education, depression, diabetes, hypertension, leisure-time physical activity and obesity), probable sarcopenia was found to be associated with impairment in the MMSE (OR 2.52; 95%CI 1.42‒4.47; p=0.002) and in VF (OR 2.17; 95%CI 1.17‒4.01; p=0.014). Low grip strength was found to be associated with impairment in the MMSE (OR 1.83; 95%CI 1.18‒2.82; p=0.006) and in the CDT (OR 1.79; 95%CI 1.18‒2.73; p=0.006). SARC-F scores were found to be associated with impairment in the MMSE (OR 1.90; 95%CI 1.18‒3.06; p=0.008). The results suggested that probable sarcopenia and its components present a significant association with cognitive deficits among community-dwelling older adults. Future longitudinal studies will further explore the causal relationship.

Life satisfaction and participation among community-dwelling older adults: Data from the FIBRA study.

This study investigates the association between participation in four domains of physical activity, social activities, and global life satisfaction among 2344 community-dwelling older adults (72.3 ± 5.5 years; 65.6% female) in Brazil. Comparison analyses were performed on the frequencies, and statistical analysis also included univariate and hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Of all the physical activity domains analyzed, only leisure-time physical activity was found to be associated with global life satisfaction. There was also a positive association between global life satisfaction and social activity participation. We conclude that the specific domain in which activity is performed interferes with one's perception of his or her life.

Comparison of Two Models of Frailty for the Prediction of Mortality in Brazilian Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The FIBRA Study.

Prevalence of frailty is significant in Latin America. However, no previous study evaluated mortality prediction using the two most used frailty models in Brazil. The aim of the present study was to compare the frailty phenotype and the frailty index with regard to accuracy in the prediction of mortality among community-dwelling older adults. A cohort study was conducted involving 674 older adults. Thirty-five variables (signs, symptoms, chronic diseases and disabilities) were used for the construction of the frailty index (FI). The frailty phenotype index (FPI) was defined based on the criteria proposed in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Periodic verifications were performed in the databank of the Mortality Information System. Cox regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of mortality and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used in the analysis. The prevalence of frailty was greater based using the FI (16.3%) compared to the FPI (5.34%). Older adults classified as frail by the FPI had a greater risk of death (RR: 10.03; 95% CI: 4.43-22.74) that those classified as frail by the FI (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.25-3.00). The lowest survival rate was found in the group of older adults classified as frail based on the FPI and classified as pre-frail and robust based on the FI. The FPI demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting the risk of mortality among Brazilian older adults than the FI. The validation of frailty measures is fundamental to the identification of older adults who are more vulnerable to adverse health events.

Associated factors with physical activity and social activity in a sample of Brazilian older adults: data from the FIBRA Study.

This study investigates associated factors to participation in four domains of physical activity and social activities among 2344 community-dwelling older adults (72.3 ± 5.5 years; 65.6% female) without cognitive impairment, residents in six Brazilian cities. An adapted version of Minnesota Leisure Time Activity Questionnaire was used to measure physical activity in four different domains. An inventory of social activities was developed for research. Age, gender and family income were assessed by self-report. Comparisons of frequencies and logistic regression analyzes were performed. All sociodemographic variables were affecting the activity engagement profile of the sample. Have higher family income showed association with high level of leisure time, occupational and transportation physical activity, result supported by the literature. The gender associated with high level of activity varied according to the specific domain of the analyzed activity indicator. Have less age proved to be associated with higher level of activity in all indicators associated with age, highlighting the increasing age as the major barrier to performance physical and social activities in old age. Allow the active involvement of older people is the great challenge of public policies that promote active aging.

Polypharmacy in community-based older adults: results of the Fibra study

Abstract Objectives : To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults (≥65 years); to verify its association with sociodemographic variables, nutritional status and health conditions; to describe the prevalence of polypharmacy according to the presence of specific chronic diseases, and to report the method of acquiring drugs. Method : A cross-sectional study was performed with older adults (n=2,217) from seven Brazilian municipal regions. The prevalence of polypharmacy and its 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Associations were verified using Pearson’s Chi-squared test with a significance level of 5%, and the independent associations between the selected variables and polypharmacy were verified by multiple hierarchical Poisson regression. Results : The prevalence of polypharmacy was 18.4% (CI95%:16.8-20.0), and was significantly lower among non-white individuals, those who did not have a health plan, and those who assessed their health as very good/good (p&lt;0.05). Obesity: (PR=1.36; CI95%:1.06-1.75), increased waist circumference (PR=1.54; CI95%:1.08-2.20) and presence of two (PR=2.24; CI95%:1.52-3.31) or three or more (PR=4.22; CI95%:2.96-6.02) chronic diseases were positively associated with polypharmacy. Polypharmacy was observed in about 30.0% of older adults with heart disease, diabetes mellitus and/or strokes/CVA/ischemia. The frequency of older adults who acquired drugs in Basic Health Units was 20.3% and those who obtained them via their own/family resources was 13.5%. Conclusion : Among older adults, the identification of segments with a higher prevalence of polypharmacy enables a better structuring of the provision of treatment during their care pathway, allowing special attention to be paid to problems related to the use of drugs.