FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ELDERLY

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms and functional capacity in the elderly.Method: Analytical cross-sectional study with 100 elderly individuals in a Basic Health Unit (UBS) in northern Brazil. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Katz scale and the Lawton and Brody scale were used. Data was analyzed with Pearson’s Chi-square test, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Student’s t tests, and a p value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The prevalence of symptoms of depression was estimated at 22%. It was higher in elderly people with poor self-rated health, sedentary and who did not participate in social groups. Functional dependency of elderly for performing instrumental activities of daily living was estimated at 46%. It was associated with depressive symptoms and old age.Conclusion: The use of instruments for early detection of depressive symptoms and functional disability allows risk stratification and prevention of the worsening of these living conditions of the elderly.

Keywords

• Aging
• Elderly
• Depression
• Quality of life
• Elderly Health