Older people's perceptions and experiences of older people with the Sit-to-stand activity: An ethnographic pre-feasibility study / Percepções e experiências de idosos com a atividade Sit-to-stand: Um estudo etnográfico de pré-viabilidade / Percepciones y experiencias de los adultos mayores con respecto a la actividad Sit-to-stand: Un estudio etnográfico de viabilidad previa

Abstract Objective: the purpose of this pre-feasibility study was to examine perceptions and experiences of a Sit-to-stand activity with urban Brazilian community-dwelling older people in their homes. Method: the exploration method was focused ethnography. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 older people. Five means of data generation were used, namely: socio-demographic surveys, participant observations, informal interviews, formal semi-structured interviews, and field notes. Data analysis was qualitative content analysis. Results: the experience of mobility-challenged older people with the Sit-to-stand activity was dependent on their mobility expectations involving many factors that worked together to influence their beliefs and attitudes towards the activity, preferences, behaviors, and cultural perceptions. The participants of this study seemed to find the activity enjoyable; however, the most noticeable shortcomings for their engagement in the Sit-to-stand activity emerged as gaps in their personal and intrapersonal needs. Conclusion: the recommendations generated from the study findings call for the design of implementation strategies for the Sit-to-stand intervention that are tailored to this particular population's needs.

Resumo Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo de pré-viabilidade foi examinar percepções e experiências da atividade de Sit-to-stand com idosos brasileiros residentes em suas casas, no meio urbano. Método: o método exploratório foi etnografia focada. Foi utilizada a amostragem intencional para recrutar 20 idosos. Foram utilizados cinco meios de geração de dados: inquéritos sociodemográficos, observações participantes, entrevistas informais, entrevistas formais semiestruturadas e notas de campo. Os dados foram analisados mediante análise de conteúdo qualitativo. Resultados: a experiência dos idosos com problemas de mobilidade na realização da atividade Sit-to-stand dependia de suas expectativas de mobilidade envolvendo muitos fatores coordenados que, de forma conjunta, influenciaram suas crenças e atitudes em relação à atividade, suas preferências, seus comportamentos e percepções culturais. Os participantes deste estudo pareciam considerar a atividade aprazível; no entanto, as deficiências mais perceptíveis para o engajamento dos participantes na atividade Sit-to-stand surgiram de falhas em suas necessidades pessoais e intrapessoais. Conclusão: as recomendações geradas a partir dos achados do estudo convocam a concepção de estratégias de implementação da intervenção Sit-to-stand adaptadas às necessidades dessa população em particular.

Resumen Objetivo: el propósito de este estudio de viabilidad previa fue examinar percepciones y experiencias con respecto a la actividad Sit-to-stand entre los adultos mayores de Brasil que viven en sus hogares en comunidades urbanas. Método: el método de exploración se enfocó en la etnografía. Se utilizó muestreo intencional para reclutar 20 adultos mayores. Se emplearon cinco medios para generar datos, a saber: encuestas sociodemográficas, observaciones participantes, entrevistas informales, entrevistas formales semiestructuradas y notas de campo. Para el análisis de los datos se recurrió a análisis de contenido cualitativo. Resultados: la experiencia de los adultos mayores con problemas de movilidad en relación con la actividad Sit-to-stand dependió de sus expectativas en torno a la movilidad, las cuales implicaron muchos factores que actuaron en conjunto para influenciar sus creencias y actitudes con respecto a la actividad, al igual que preferencias, conductas y percepciones culturales. Aparentemente, a los participantes de este estudio la actividad les resultó amena; sin embargo, los inconvenientes más notorios para adoptar la actividad Sit-to-stand surgió en la forma de déficits en sus necesidades personales e intrapersonales. Conclusión: las recomendaciones resultantes de los hallazgos del estudio indican la necesidad de diseñar estrategias de implementación para la intervención Sit-to-stand a la medida de las necesidades de este grupo poblacional específico.

Association between vaccination status and COVID-19-related health outcomes among community-dwelling COVID-19 patients in Nara, Japan

BACKGROUND@#Many previous studies have reported COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, but there are few studies in Japan. This community-based, retrospective observational study investigated the association between vaccination status and COVID-19-related health outcomes in COVID-19 patients by SARS-CoV-2 variant type.@*METHODS@#The study participants were 24,314 COVID-19 patients aged 12 or older whose diagnoses were reported to the Nara Prefecture Chuwa Public Health Center from April 2021 to March 2022, during periods when the alpha, delta, and omicron variants of COVID-19 were predominant. The outcome variables were severe health consequences (SHC) (i.e., ICU admission and COVID-19-related death), hospitalization, and extension of recovery period. The explanatory variable was vaccination status at least 14 days prior to infection. Covariates included gender, age, population size, the number of risk factors for aggravation, and the number of symptoms at diagnosis. The generalized estimating equations of the multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate the adjusted incidence proportion (AIP) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each health outcome. We performed stratified analyses by SARS-CoV-2 variant type, but the association between vaccination status and COVID-19-related health outcomes was stratified only for the delta and omicron variants due to the small number of vaccinated patients during the alpha variant.@*RESULTS@#Of the 24,314 participants, 255 (1.0%) had SHC; of the 24,059 participants without SHC, 2,102 (8.7%) were hospitalized; and of the 19,603 participants without SHC, hospitalization, and missing data on recovery period, 2,960 (15.1%) had extension of recovery period. Multivariable Poisson regression models showed that regardless of SARS-CoV-2 variant type or health outcome, those who received two or more vaccine doses had significantly lower risk of health outcomes than those who did not receive the vaccine, and there was a dose-response relationship in which the AIP for health outcomes decreased with an increased number of vaccinations.@*CONCLUSION@#A higher number of vaccinations were associated with lower risk of COVID-19-related health outcomes, not only in the delta variant but also in the omicron variant. Our findings suggest that increasing the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses can prevent severe disease and lead to early recovery of patients not requiring hospitalization.

Relationships between self-reported dyspnea, health conditions and frailty among Brazilian community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Dyspnea is a symptom present in several chronic diseases commonly seen among older adults. Since individuals with dyspnea tend to stay at rest, with consequently reduced levels of physical activity, they are likely to be at greater risk of developing frailty, especially at older ages. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at community level, Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationships between self-reported dyspnea, health conditions and frailty status in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. METHOD: Secondary data from the follow-up of the Frailty in Brazilian Elderly (FIBRA) study, involving 415 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 80.3 ± 4.68 years), were used. The variables analyzed were sociodemographic characteristics, reported dyspnea, clinical data and frailty phenotype. Associations between dyspnea and other variables (age, sex, education and body mass index) were verified through the crude (c) and adjusted (a) odds ratios. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyspnea in the entire sample was 21.0%. Dyspnea was more present in individuals with pulmonary diseases, heart disease, cancer and depression. Older adults with multimorbidities (adjusted odds ratio, ORa = 2.91; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.41-5.99) and polypharmacy (ORa = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.15-3.54) were more likely to have dyspnea. Those who reported dyspnea were 2.54 times more likely to be frail (ORa = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.08-5.97), and fatigue was their most prevalent phenotype component. CONCLUSION: Dyspnea was associated with different diseases, multimorbidities, polypharmacy and frailty. Recognizing the factors associated with dyspnea may contribute to its early identification and prevention of its negative outcomes among older adults.

Association between falls and cognitive performance among community-dwelling older people: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Falls among older people have a negative impact on health and therefore constitute a public health problem. Cognitive decline can also accompany the aging process, and both conditions lead to significant increases in morbidity and mortality in this population. Objective: To analyze the cognitive performance of older people, classified as non-fallers, sporadic fallers and recurrent fallers, and investigate the relationship between falls and cognition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Evaluations on 230 older people were conducted. They were divided into three groups: non-fallers, sporadic fallers (one fall) and recurrent fallers (two or more falls). The Mini-Mental State Examination, Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly (CAMDEX) similarities subtest and digit span test were applied. RESULTS: In multinomial logistic regression, being a recurrent faller was significantly associated with lower scores in the CERAD word list (odds ratio, OR = 0.92; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.86-0.98; P = 0.01), in CERAD constructive praxis (OR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.98; P = 0.02), in BCSB figure list memory (OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; P = 0.02) and in verbal fluency (OR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97; P = 0.01). Recurrent fallers also had lower scores in these same tests, compared with sporadic fallers. CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment, especially in the domains of memory and executive functioning, can influence occurrences of recurrent falls.

Functional Classification Spaces according to walking speed in self-sufficient Chilean older adults: A complement to the Periodic Physical Examination / Espacios de Clasificación Funcional según velocidad de marcha aplicada a adultos mayores autovalentes chilenos: Un complemento al Examen de Medicina Preventiva

Introduction Walking speed is related to functionality in daily activities. Preventive Medicine Examination of the Chilean older adults is a vital prevention program for Chilean community- dwelling older adults. However, this evaluation does not include speed in its battery of tests. Objective To evaluate the functional classification spaces for threshold, reference, and categorization val-ues of self- selected and maximum walking speed applied to self- sufficient older adults. Methods Seventy- two self- sufficient older adults participated in this observational, exploratory, and cross- sectional study. Each participant was asked to walk naturally and then at full speed for three minutes. Through a dispersion graph between self- selected walking speed (axis "x") and maximum walking speed (axis "y"), functional classification spaces were constructed according to documented values for i) thresholds of basic functionality, ii) referential for the instrumental spectrum and iii) functional categorization for "household walker" (< 0.4 meters per second, m/s), "limited community ambulator" (0.40 to 0.80 m/s), "community ambulator" (0.81 to 1.3 m/s), and "cross street safely" (> 1.3 m/s). The relative frequency (%) of older adults who meet each established quadrant was determined. Results The threshold was reached by 100% of the participants (basic daily activities). About 80% of the older adults have a functional classification space below the reference limit (instrumental and advanced daily activities). It was also found that 81% of women and 69% of men are "efficient in the community", and 31% of men and 14% of women reach the minimum value for "effec-tive street crossing" (advanced daily activities). Conclusions The exploration of functional classification spaces according to self- selected walking speed and maximum walking speed applied to a group of self- sufficient older adults reveals that this pop-ulation is at risk of deteriorating instrumental and advanced activities of daily living.

Introducción La velocidad de marcha se relaciona con la funcionalidad en actividades cotidianas. El Examen de Medicina Preventiva del Adulto Mayor es un hito relevante en la prevención de adultos mayores chilenos de la comunidad. Sin embargo, no incorpora a la velocidad dentro de su batería de pruebas. Objetivo Evaluar una propuesta complementaria al Examen de Medicina Preventiva del Adulto Mayor según Espacios de Clasificación Funcional para valores umbrales, referenciales y de categorización de velocidad de marcha confortable y máxima aplicada a personas mayores autovalentes. Métodos Participaron en este estudio observacional, exploratorio y transversal 72 adultos mayores autovalentes. Se solicitó a cada participante caminar naturalmente y luego a máxima velocidad durante 3 minutos. A través de un gráfico de dispersión entre velocidad de mar-cha confortable (eje "x") y máxima (eje "y"), se construyeron Espacios de Clasificación Funcional según valores documentados para i) umbrales de funcionalidad básica, ii) referenciales para el espectro instrumental y iii) categorización funcional para actividades "dentro del hogar" (< 0,4 m/s), "limitadas en la comunidad" (0,40 a0,80 m/s), "eficiente en la comunidad" (0,81 a1,3 m/s) y "cruce seguro de calles" (> 1,3 m/s). Se determinó la frecuencia relativa (%) de adultos mayores que cumplen con cada cuadrante establecido. Resultados El umbral fue sobrepasado por el 100% de los participantes (actividades cotidianas básicas). Cerca del 80% de los participantes presenta un Espacio de Clasificación Funcional bajo el límite de referencia (actividades cotidianas instrumentales y avanzadas). El 81% de las mujeres y el 69% de los hombres, se encuentran dentro del Espacio de Clasificación Funcional "eficiente en la comuni-dad". El 31% de los hombres y el 14% de las mujeres alcanzan el valor mínimo para el "cruce efectivo de calles" (actividades coti-dianas avanzadas). Conclusiones La exploración de Espacios de Clasificación Funcional según de velocidad de marcha confortable y máxima aplicada a un grupo de adultos mayores clasificados como autovalentes, resulta en individuos con riesgo para desarrollar actividades instrumentales y avanzadas.

Age differences in the association of physical leisure activities with incident disability among community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND@#The relationship between leisure activities (LA) in old age and prevention of disability has not been fully investigated, and age and gender differences of these relationships are unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether physical and cognitive LA predicted incident disability among community-dwelling older adults by age and gender.@*METHODS@#We prospectively observed 8,275 residents aged 65 or above without disability at baseline for 3 years. Incident disability was defined as a new certification of the public long-term care insurance system. LA were classified into two types: physical LA and cognitive LA. The frequency of LA was categorized into frequent (i.e., once a week or more), moderate (i.e., monthly or yearly), and non-engagement. Covariates included age, gender, family number, education, perceived economic situation, body mass index, chronic medical conditions, alcohol consumption, smoking status, regular dental visits, depression, cognitive functioning, and social participation. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted cumulative incidence ratio (CIR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident disability. We performed stratified analyses by age groups (i.e., the young-old aged 65-74 and the old-old aged 75-97) and gender (i.e., men and women).@*RESULTS@#The 3-year cumulative incidence of disability was 7.5%. After adjustment for covariates and mutual adjustment for both types of LA, a significant dose-response relationship between more frequent LA and lower risk of incident disability was found in young-old physical LA (P-trend < 0.001), in old-old cognitive LA (P-trend = 0.012), in male cognitive LA (P-trend = 0.006), and in female physical LA (P-trend = 0.030). Compared with people without LA, adjusted CIR (95% CI) of frequent LA was 0.47 (0.30-0.74) in young-old physical, 0.75 (0.58-0.96) in old-old cognitive, 0.65 (0.46-0.89) in male cognitive, and 0.70 (0.52-0.95) in female physical. Regarding the effect modification according to age and gender, only interaction between age and physical LA significantly prevented incident disability (P for interaction = 0.019).@*CONCLUSION@#We found age differences in the association of physical LA with incident disability among community-dwelling older adults. An effective measure to prevent long-term care in the community would be to recommend frequent physical LA for the young-old.

Prevalence of and risk factors for dynapenic abdominal obesity in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study / Prevalência e fatores de risco para obesidade abdominal dinapênica em idosos residentes na comunidade: um estudo transversal

Abstract This article aims to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in older adults in a city in the northern region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 community-dwelling older adults in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. Socioeconomic, clinical, and health information were collected using a structured form. DAO was defined as a combination of dynapenia (handgrip strength of < 26 kgf for men and < 16 kgf for women) and abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using chi-squared tests, Student's t-tests, and a Poisson regression. The prevalence of DAO was 10.73%. In the preliminary bivariate analysis, the variables of age range, marital status, number of diseases, functional disability for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, gait speed, and level of physical activity met the established criterion. The final model indicated that only gait speed was a predictor of DAO in older adults. DAO affects nearly 11% of community-dwelling older adults from northern Brazil; gait speed was a predictor of DAO and could be a useful tool for managing and monitoring this population's health.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à obesidade abdominal dinapênica (OAD) em idosos de uma cidade da região Norte do Brasil. Estudo transversal realizado com 382 idosos comunitários residentes em Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. As informações socioeconômicas, clínicas e de saúde foram coletadas por meio de um formulário estruturado. A OAD foi definida pela combinação de dinapenia (força de preensão manual < 26 kgf para homens e < 16 kgf para mulheres) e obesidade abdominal (circunferência abdominal > 102 cm para homens e > 88 cm para mulheres). As análises descritivas e inferenciais foram realizadas utilizando os testes qui-quadrado, t de Student e regressão de Poisson. A prevalência de OAD foi de 10,73%. Na análise bivariada preliminar, as variáveis faixa etária, estado conjugal, número de doenças, incapacidade funcional para atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária, velocidade da marcha e nível de atividade física atenderam ao critério estabelecido. O modelo final indicou que apenas a velocidade da marcha foi um preditor para a OAD em idosos. A OAD afeta quase 11% dos idosos residentes nessa comunidade do Norte do Brasil; e a velocidade de marcha é um preditor que pode ser uma ferramenta útil para gerenciar e monitorar a saúde desta população.

Associação longitudinal entre capital social e incapacidade funcional em uma coorte de idosos residentes em comunidade / Longitudinal association between social capital and functional disability in a cohort of community dwelling older adults / Asociación longitudinal entre el capital social y la discapacidad funcional en una cohorte de ancianos residentes en comunidad

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a associação entre capital social e a incapacidade funcional, numa perspectiva longitudinal, utilizando dados da coorte de idosos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A linha de base do estudo foi composta por todos os idosos sobreviventes e livres de incapacidade no sétimo ano de seguimento (2004), acompanhados até 2011. A variável desfecho foi a incapacidade funcional para as ABVD (atividades básicas de vida diária) e AIVD (atividades instrumentais de vida diária), analisadas separadamente. A exposição de interesse foi o capital social, mensurado por meio de seus componentes cognitivo (coesão e suporte social) e estrutural (participação social e satisfação com a vizinhança). Variáveis sociodemográficas, de condições de saúde e de hábitos de vida foram utilizadas para efeitos de ajuste, e a ocorrência de óbito foi considerada evento competitivo. A hipótese de associação entre capital social e incapacidade funcional foi testada por meio do modelo de riscos competitivos, que fornece hazard ratios (HR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Após a análise multivariada, o capital social, em seu componente estrutural, esteve associado à incapacidade funcional. Idosos insatisfeitos com a vizinhança apresentaram risco maior de desenvolver incapacidade funcional para AIVD (HR = 2,36; IC95%: 1,31-4,24), em relação às suas contrapartes. Os resultados desse estudo sugerem que a incapacidade funcional está associada a outros aspectos que não somente da saúde, evidenciando a necessidade de desenvolver políticas e intervenções que abarquem aspectos ligados ao ambiente físico e social em que o idoso está inserido.

This study aimed to investigate the association between social capital and functional disability, based on a longitudinal perspective, using data from the cohort of older adults from Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The baseline of this study was composed of all surviving and disability-free - up until the seventh year of follow-up (2004) - older adults who were followed up until 2011. The outcome variable was functional disability for basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), separately analyzed. Social capital was the exposure of interest, measured through its cognitive (cohesion and social support) and structural (social participation and satisfaction with the neighborhood) components. Sociodemographic variables, health conditions, and lifestyle habits were used for adjustment purposes, and the occurrence of death was considered a competitive event. The hypothesis of association between social capital and functional disability was tested using the competing risk model, which provides hazard ratios (HR) and a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). After multivariate analysis, social capital - in its structural component - was associated with functional disability. Older adults who were dissatisfied with the neighborhood had a higher risk of developing functional disability for IADL (HR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.31-4.24), in relation to their counterparts. This study results suggest that functional disability is associated with aspects other than health, evidencing the need for the development of policies and interventions that support aspects related to the physical and social environment in which older adults live.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación entre el capital social y la discapacidad funcional desde una perspectiva longitudinal, utilizando datos de la cohorte de ancianos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. La línea de base de este estudio estaba compuesta por todos los supervivientes de edad avanzada y sin discapacidad en el séptimo año de seguimiento (2004), seguidos hasta 2011. La variable de resultado fue la discapacidad funcional para las ABVD (actividades básicas de la vida diaria) y las AIVD (actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria), analizadas por separado. La exposición de interés fue el capital social, medido a través de sus componentes cognitivo (cohesión y apoyo social) y estructural (participación social y satisfacción con el barrio). Se utilizaron variables sociodemográficas, de condiciones de salud y de estilo de vida para los efectos de ajuste, y la ocurrencia de la muerte se consideró un evento competitivo. La hipótesis de asociación entre el capital social y la discapacidad funcional se probó mediante el modelo de riesgos competitivos, que proporciona tasas de riesgo (hazard ratios, HR) e intervalos del 95% de confianza (IC95%). Tras el análisis multivariante, el capital social en su componente estructural se asoció con la discapacidad funcional. Los ancianos insatisfechos con su vecindario tenían un mayor riesgo de desarrollar una discapacidad funcional para las AIVD (HR = 2,36; IC95%: 1,31-4,24) en comparación con sus homólogos. Los resultados sugieren que la discapacidad funcional está asociada a otros aspectos además de la salud, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar políticas e intervenciones que abarquen aspectos relacionados con el entorno físico y social en el que se insertan las personas mayores.

Risco de mortalidade por todas as causas e sua relação com estado de saúde em uma coorte de idosos residentes na comunidade: Estudo FIBRA / Risk of all-cause mortality and its association with health status in a cohort of community-dwelling older people: FIBRA study

Resumo O artigo tem por objetivos estimar o risco de óbito segundo características sociodemográficas, doenças crônicas, fragilidade, capacidade funcional e participação social em idosos e verificar, para as variáveis de estado de saúde e participação social, o tempo mediano de ocorrência do óbito. Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo com idosos (≥65 anos), realizado em 2008-09 e 2016-17 em Campinas-SP e Ermelino Matarazzo-SP. Realizaram-se entrevistas face a face em centros de convivência e nos domicílios. Estimou-se a incidência acumulada de óbito e associações com as variáveis preditoras foram analisadas pela regressão múltipla de Poisson. O método de Kaplan-Meier e o teste de Log-rank foram utilizados. Dos 741 idosos localizados no seguimento, 192 faleceram. Observou-se maior incidência de óbito nos mais idosos, nos que relataram doença do coração e nos dependentes para realização de atividades instrumentais da vida diária. Verificou-se menor incidência de óbito nas mulheres, no estrato com maior renda e nos que realizavam três ou mais atividades relacionadas à inserção social. Não se observaram diferenças nos tempos medianos de sobrevida. Os preditores de mortalidade podem contribuir para ampliar o conhecimento sobre as singularidades do processo de envelhecimento.

Abstract 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.

Soroprevalência e fatores associados a infecções crônicas entre idosos residentes na comunidade / Seroprevalence and factors associated with chronic infections among community-dwelling elderly individuals

Resumo Infecções crônicas podem contribuir com o processo de envelhecimento, mas isso ainda é pouco explorado na América Latina. O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao citomegalovírus (CMV), Herpes simples 1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumoniae e Helicobacter pylori entre idosos. Participaram 1.320 indivíduos da linha de base da Coorte de Idosos de Bambuí. Foram avaliados anticorpos (IgG) para as infecções e variáveis exploratórias (sociodemográficas, comportamentos em saúde e condições de saúde). Utilizaram-se modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A prevalência foi de 99,4% para CMV, 96,7% para HSV-1, 56,0% para C. pneumoniae e 70,5% para H. pylori. Os mais velhos, mulheres, fumantes, diabéticos, incapazes e com maiores níveis de IL-6 tinham maior prevalência de CMV. HSV-1 foi menos frequente entre as mulheres. Infecção por C. pneumoniae foi maior entre os mais velhos e diabéticos; e menor entre mulheres e os menos escolarizados. H. pylori foi menos frequente entre as mulheres e naqueles com maiores níveis de IL-1β, mas mais comuns entre os fumantes. Os achados mostram elevada prevalência de infecções crônicas e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos para cada patógeno, permitindo a detecção de grupos vulneráveis a essas infecções.

Abstract Chronic infections can contribute to the aging process, but this issue is less studied in Latin America. The aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori among the elderly. A total of 1,320 individuals participated from the baseline of the Elderly Cohort of Bambuí. IgG antibodies against infections and explanatory variables (sociodemographic factors, health behaviors and health conditions) were evaluated. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used. Seroprevalence rates were 99.4% for CMV, 96.7% for HSV-1, 56% for C. pneumoniae and 70.5% for H. pylori. Elderly men, women, smokers, diabetics, the disabled and those with high levels of IL-6 had a higher prevalence of CMV. HSV-1 was less frequent among women. The prevalence of C. pneumoniae was higher at ages >75 and among diabetics; it was lower among women and individuals with less schooling. H. pylori was less frequent among women and those with detectable levels of IL-1β, but more common among smokers. The findings show a high prevalence of chronic infection and a different epidemiologic profile for each pathogen, making it possible to detect groups that are vulnerable to these infections.

Adequação da frequência e tipos de refeições realizadas por idosos comunitários do sul do Brasil / Adequacy of the frequency and types of meals consumed by community-dwelling elderly folk in the south of Brazil

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a frequência e tipos de refeições realizadas por idosos de Pelotas-RS e fatores associados à frequência adequada de refeições. Foi realizado estudo transversal com indivíduos ≥60 anos. Questionou-se sobre as refeições diárias na semana anterior à entrevista. A adequação de refeições foi definida conforme recomendação do Ministério da Saúde (pelo menos três refeições principais e dois lanches por dia). As variáveis independentes foram as características sociodemográficas, de saúde e da rotina alimentar. Razões de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95% foram calculados por regressão de Poisson. Dos 1.438 idosos entrevistados, cerca de 40% afirmaram realizar quatro refeições diárias. O almoço foi a refeição mais relatada, seguido do café da manhã. Apresentaram frequên cia adequada de refeições 30,6% dos homens e 38,6% das mulheres (p=0,002). Homens com edentulismo (perda dentária total) tiveram 35% maior probabilidade de adequação, enquanto essa probabilidade foi cerca de 30% menor em mulheres de cor da pele não branca, não escolarizadas e que declararam falta de dinheiro para a compra de alimentos. Um a cada três idosos atendeu a recomendação da frequência adequada de refeições e algumas características sociodemográficas foram negativamente associadas com esse hábito.

Abstract The scope of this study was to describe the frequency and types of meals consumed by the elderly in Pelotas (Brazil) and factors associated with the adequacy of meal frequency. A cross-sectional study was carried out with ≥60 years of age individuals. They were asked about daily meals during the week prior to the interview. The adequacy of meals was defined as recommended by the Ministry of Health (at least three main meals and two small snacks per day). The independent variables were sociodemographic, health and food routine characteristics. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. Of the 1,438 elderly individuals interviewed, about 40% reported consuming four meals a day. Lunch was the most reported meal, followed by breakfast. A total of 30.6% of men and 38.6% of women had adequate frequency of meals (p=0.002). Men with edentulism (total tooth loss) were 35% more likely to eat adequately, while this probability was about 30% lower among non-white women, those without schooling and those who reported a lack of money to buy food. One in each three elderly people met the recommendation of adequate frequency of meals and some sociodemographic characteristics were negatively associated with this habit.

Association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults in the Amazon region: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Existence of an association between sedentary behavior and frailty among older adults has been suggested. However, there is a lack of studies conducted in Brazil, especially in areas of the Amazon region. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out in Macapá, state of Amapá, Brazil. METHODS: Frailty status was assessed using Fried's frailty phenotype, and sedentary behavior was evaluated using two questions concerning time spent in a seated position, from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to verify the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior. RESULTS: The final study sample was made up of 411 older adults with a mean age of 70.14 ± 7.25 years and an average daily duration of sedentary behavior of 2.86 ± 2.53 hours. The prevalence of non-frailty was 28.7%, prevalence of pre-frailty was 58.4% and prevalence of frailty was 12.9%. The adjusted analysis showed that there were independent associations between sedentary behavior and pre-frailty (odds ratio, OR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.34) and between sedentary behavior and frailty (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.40). CONCLUSION: Frailty and pre-frailty status were associated with sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults.

Probable sarcopenia is associated with cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults: results from the FIBRA study / Sarcopenia provável está associada com comprometimento cognitivo em idosos da comunidade: resultados do estudo FIBRA

ABSTRACT Background: The link between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment has not yet been thoroughly evaluated, especially among older adults. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between probable sarcopenia and cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults in two Brazilian cities. Methods: 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). Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.

RESUMO Introdução: A ligação entre sarcopenia e comprometimento cognitivo ainda não foi completamente avaliada, especialmente entre os idosos. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre sarcopenia provável e comprometimento cognitivo entre idosos residentes na comunidade em duas cidades brasileiras. Métodos: A sarcopenia provável foi avaliada pelo critério EWGSOP2 (2018), portanto, os participantes foram classificados como tendo sarcopenia provável se tivessem SARC-F (em inglês, Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls) ≥4 pontos e baixa força de preensão manual. A função cognitiva foi avaliada através do Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), fluência verbal (FV) e teste do desenho do relógio (TDR). Resultados: Em uma amostra de 529 idosos (idade média 80,8±4,9 anos; escolaridade média 4,2 (±3,67) anos; 70,1% de mulheres), 27,3% dos participantes apresentaram SARC-F≥4, 38,3% apresentaram baixa força de preensão manual e 13,6% foram classificados com sarcopenia provável. Após o ajuste para possíveis fatores de confusão (idade, sexo, educação, depressão, diabetes, hipertensão, atividade física no lazer e obesidade), a sarcopenia provável foi associada ao comprometimento no MEEM (OR 2,52; IC95% 1,42‒4,47; p=0,002) e na FV (OR 2,17; IC95%=1,17‒4,01; p=0,014); a baixa força de preensão foi associada a comprometimento no MEEM (OR 1,83; IC95% 1,18‒2,82; p=0,006) e no TDR (OR 1,79; IC95% 1,18‒2,73; p=0,006); e os escores na SARC-F foram associados ao comprometimento no MEEM (OR 1,90; IC95% 1,18‒3,06; p=0,008). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que existe associação significativa entre sarcopenia provável e seus componentes com déficits cognitivos em idosos da comunidade. Futuros estudos longitudinais explorarão a relação causal.

Factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos asociados con caídas en adultos mayores: estudio de casos y controles en México / Intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with falls in older adults: a case-control study in Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes: Las caídas tienen un origen multifactorial. Objetivo: Estimar el riesgo de caídas y su asociación con algunos factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos en adultos mayores. Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles que incluyó pacientes de ambos sexos con edades ≥ 60 años. Los casos fueron pacientes que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias de un hospital de segundo nivel, con diagnóstico de lesión o fractura secundaria a una caída; los controles fueron pacientes que acudieron a unidades de medicina familiar. El análisis estadístico que se realizó fue descriptivo, bivariante y multivariante. Se utilizó el programa SPSS versión 22.0. Resultados: Se incluyeron 342 pacientes (171 casos y 171 controles). La edad promedio fue 76.1 ± 8.8 años, el 66 % fueron mujeres y por autorreporte el 97.1 % tenían enfermedades crónicas. Se observaron diferencias en el índice de masa corporal, en la proporción de casos con deterioro cognitivo, uso de dispositivos para caminar y dependencia para realizar actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria. El análisis multivariante ajustado reveló asociación entre el evento caída con deterioro cognitivo y dependencia para realizar actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria. Conclusiones: El deterioro cognitivo y la dependencia para realizar actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria se asociaron al riesgo de caer.

Abstract Background: Falls have a multifactorial origin. Objective: To estimate the risk of falls and their association with some intrinsic and extrinsic factors in elderly. Methods: Case-control study that included individuals of both genders aged ≥ 60 years. Cases were patients who were admitted to the emergency department of a secondary care hospital diagnosed with injury or fracture secondary to a fall; the controls were patients who attended family medicine units. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. The SPSS program, version 22.0, was used. Results: Three-hundred and forty-two patients were included (171 cases and 171 controls). Mean age was 76.1 ± 8.8 years, 66 % were women and 97.1 % had self-reported chronic diseases. Differences were observed in body mass index, in the proportion of cases with cognitive impairment, use of walking devices and dependence to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed an association between the fall event and cognitive impairment and dependence to perform instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusions: Cognitive impairment and dependence to perform instrumental activities of daily living were associated with the risk of falling.

Cognition and chronic pain: an analysis on community-dwelling elderly caregivers and non-caregivers / Cognição e dor crônica: uma análise em idosos cuidadores e não cuidadores residentes na comunidade

ABSTRACT Background: In recent years there has been an increasing number of elderly people who care for another elderly person in the same household. These elderly people are more susceptible to overload and the presence of chronic pain, while pain can negatively influence cognitive variables. Objective: To compare the performance and cognitive processing of elderly caregivers and non-caregivers with and without chronic pain. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 149 elderly people divided into four groups that were matched according to sex, age and schooling. The tests used were a numerical pain assessment scale, the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACER-R) and cognitive processing through event-related potentials (P300). Results: Statistically significant differences between participants with and without chronic pain were found with regard to attention/orientation (p=0.045) and visual-spatial skills (p=0.017), and in the total score (p=0.033). In the pain-free group, the caregivers showed better results than the non-caregivers. There were no effects between subjects or interactions (caregiving and pain factors) either on P300 amplitude or on P300 latency. Conclusion: In general, it was observed that pain-free individuals presented better performance. No relationship was observed between the factors care and pain regarding cognitive performance.

RESUMO Introdução: Nos últimos anos, observou-se crescente número de idosos que realizam o cuidado a outro idoso no mesmo domicílio. Esses idosos estão mais susceptíveis à sobrecarga e à presença de dor crônica, sendo que a dor pode influenciar negativamente as variáveis cognitivas. Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho e o processamento cognitivo de cuidadores idosos e não cuidadores com e sem dor crônica. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 149 idosos, divididos em 4 grupos, pareados por sexo, idade e escolaridade. Os testes utilizados foram: escala numérica de avaliação da dor, Bateria Breve de Rastreio Cognitivo (BBRC), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACER-R) e processamento cognitivo por meio de Potenciais Relacionados a Eventos (P300). Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os participantes com e sem dor crônica nos domínios cognitivos atenção/orientação (p=0,045) e habilidades visual-espacial (p=0,017), bem como no escore total do instrumento ACE-R (p=0,033). No grupo sem dor foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas entre cuidadores e não cuidadores, com melhores resultados no grupo cuidador. Não houve efeitos entre os sujeitos ou interações (fatores de Cuidado e Dor) na amplitude do P300 ou na latência do P300. Conclusão: De maneira geral, observou-se que indivíduos sem dor apresentaram melhor desempenho. Não foi observada relação entre os fatores cuidado e dor no desempenho cognitivo.

Knee extension strength and handgrip strength are important predictors of Timed Up and Go test performance among community-dwelling elderly women: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Handgrip and knee extension strengths have each been used to characterize disability. However, it has been reported that the association between handgrip and knee extension strengths is weak. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of knee extensor and handgrip muscle strength on Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results among elderly women with worse (≥ 10 seconds) and better (< 10 seconds) performance, after controlling for confounders. DATA AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a sample selected according to convenience, carried out in a federal public institution of higher education. METHODS: Assessment of handgrip was carried out using the Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc., Lafayette, United States). Knee extensor muscle performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro; Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., United States), The confounding factors were education, age, comorbidities, body mass index and Geriatric Depression Scale and Human Activity Profile scores. Functional performance was assessed through the TUG test. A backward linear regression model was used. RESULTS: 127 elderly women performed the TUG test in more than 10 seconds and 93 in less than 10 seconds. However, regardless of test performance, handgrip strength and knee extension strength comprised the reduced final model. CONCLUSIONS: Knee extension strength and handgrip strength might be particularly useful indicators for measuring disability.

Factors associated with social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults during pandemic times: a cross-sectional study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial aspects need to be discussed in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, no studies have investigated the factors associated with social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, this study analyzed the association of social isolation and loneliness with socioeconomic, clinical, and health characteristics, and Covid-19-related variables, among community-dwelling older adults during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a telephone survey of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. A structured form was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using Pearson's correlation test and a linear regression model. RESULTS: Participants comprised 86 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 71.78+6.98 years. Among them, 9.3% were diagnosed with Covid-19, of whom 3.5% were hospitalized. Most participants reported no difficulty obtaining food, medicines, or attending routine medical appointments during the pandemic. Furthermore, 23.3% (n=20) were socially isolated, and 20.9% (n=18) reported feelings of loneliness. The mean values for fear, anxiety, and obsession were 19.01±7.25, 1.01±1.90, and 2.84±3.28, respectively. A moderate positive correlation was identified between loneliness and the number of diseases, and a weak positive correlation between loneliness and the number of medications and depressive symptoms and risk for sarcopenia. The linear regression model indicated that higher loneliness scores were associated with a greater number of diseases (β=0.288; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a probable resilience of the older population to Covid-19, despite the association of loneliness with many diseases in times of a pandemic.

All-cause mortality over a three-year period among community-dwelling older adults in Southern Brazil / Mortalidade por todas as causas em um período de três anos entre idosos não institucionalizados do Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate all-cause mortality in approximately three years of follow-up and related sociodemographic, behavioral and health factors in community-dwelling older adults in Pelotas, RS. Methods: This was a longitudinal observational study that included 1,451 older adults (≥ 60 years) who were interviewed in 2014. Information on mortality was collected from their households in 2016-2017 and confirmed with the Epidemiological Surveillance department of the city and by documents from family members. Associations between mortality and independent variables were assessed by crude and multiple Cox regression, with hazard ratio with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Almost 10% (n = 145) of the participants died during an average of 2.5 years of follow-up, with a higher frequency of deaths among males (12.9%), ?80 years (25.2%), widowhood (15.0%), no education (13.8%) and who did not work (10.5%). Factors associated with higher mortality were: being a male (HR = 2.8; 95%CI 1.9 - 4.2), age ?80 years (HR = 3.9; 95%CI 2.4 - 6.2), widowhood (HR = 2.2; 95%CI 1.4 - 3.7), physical inactivity (HR = 2.3; 95%CI 1.1 - 4..6), current smoking (HR = 2.1; 95%CI 1.2 - 3.6), hospitalizations in the previous year (HR = 2.0; 95%CI 1.2 - 3.2), depressive symptoms (HR = 2.0; 95%CI 1.2 - 3,4) and dependence for two or more daily life activities (HR = 3.1; 95%CI 1,7 - 5.7). Conclusion: The identification of factors that increased the risk of early death makes it possible to improve public policies aimed at controlling the modifiable risk factors that can lead to aging with a better quality of life.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar a mortalidade por todas as causas em aproximadamente três anos de acompanhamento e os fatores sociodemográficos, comportamentais e de saúde em idosos comunitários de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Foi um estudo observacional longitudinal que incluiu 1.451 idosos (≥ 60 anos) entrevistados em 2014. As informações sobre mortalidade foram coletadas nos domicílios em 2016-2017, confirmadas com o setor de Vigilância Epidemiológica do município e por documentos de familiares. As associações entre mortalidade e as variáveis independentes, por regressão de Cox simples e múltipla, foram apresentadas pelos riscos relativos com os respectivos intervalos de confiança (95%). Resultados: Quase 10% (n = 145) dos participantes morreram durante uma média de 2,5 anos de acompanhamento, sendo a maior frequência de óbitos em homens (12,9%), indivíduos com ≥ 80 anos (25,2%) e viúvos (15,0%). Estiveram associadas ao maior risco de mortalidade: sexo masculino (RR = 2,8; IC95% 1,9 - 4,2), ≥ 80 anos (RR = 3,9; IC95% 2,4 - 6,2), viuvez (RR = 2,2; IC95% 1,4 - 3,7), inatividade física (RR = 2,3; IC95% 1,1 - 4,6), tabagismo atual (RR = 2,1; IC95% 1,2 - 3,8), hospitalização no último ano (RR = 2,0; IC95% 1,2 - 3,2), sintomas depressivos (RR = 2,1; IC95% 1,2 - 3,6) e dependência para duas ou mais atividades diárias (RR = 3,1; IC95% 1,7 - 5,7). Conclusão: A identificação dos fatores que aumentaram o risco de óbito precocemente possibilita melhorar políticas públicas que visem controlar os fatores de risco modificáveis para um envelhecimento com melhor qualidade de vida.