Atenção primária à saúde: perfil nutricional e funcional de idosos / Cuidados médicos primarios: perfil alimenticio y funcional de envejecidos / Primary health care: nutritional and functional profile of elderly people
The AIM of this study was to establish the nutritional and functional profile of elderly people treated in the nutrition ward of José Paranhos Fontenelle Clinic (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil) for their first medical care. The research involved the participation of 35 people. It was based on anthropometric assessment and collected data on socio-economic, biochemical and dietary factors. It also included an investigation about their daily life activities to evaluate the results of care. Taking into account socio-economical aspects, the study shows that 44.4 per cent of men and 57.7 per cent of women have an income less than two Brazilian minimum wages. Concerning the anthropometric assessment it was observed a high prevalence of obesity for both sexes, besides a high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent disease among males (55.5 per cent), and dyslipidemia among females (88.4 per cent). In relation to Daily Life Activities (DLA`s), the ones they showed more difficulties to perform were climbing stairs (40 per cent), taking a bus (25.7 per cent) and trimming toesnails (23.07 per cent). In relation to dietary intake, a high amount of rice, bread and beans consumption was detected. The most frequently consumed protein source was chickenmeat. Despite this, a low consumption of fruits and vegetables persists that justifies an adequate nutritional orientation. KEYWORDSElderly. Nutrition. Chronic disease.