Relação entre apoio social e sono de pessoas idosas cuidadoras em vulnerabilidade social / Relationship between social support and sleep of elderly caregivers in social vulnerability / Relación entre apoyo social y sueño de adultos mayores cuidadores con vulnerabilidad social

Objetivo: analisar a relação entre apoio social e qualidade do sono de pessoas idosas que cuidam de outros idosos em ambiente de vulnerabilidade social. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 65 cuidadores entrevistados por meio de instrumento de caracterização, Índice de Katz, Escala de Lawton e Brody, Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh e Escala de Apoio Social do Medical Outcomes Study, com dados analisados com testes de comparação e de correlação. Resultados: a maioria eram mulheres, cônjuges do idoso cuidado e possuíam sono de má qualidade. Observou-se correlação fraca e inversa entre má qualidade do sono e a dimensão interação social positiva (Rho=-0,27; p=0,028). Identificou-se relação significativa entre: apoio material e disfunção diurna (p=0,034); apoio afetivo e eficiência do sono (p=0,026); interação social positiva e qualidade subjetiva do sono (p=0,001) e disfunção diurna (p=0,008). Conclusão: Quanto maior a interação social positiva, melhor é a qualidade do sono.

Objective: to analyze the relationship between social support and sleep quality of elderly individuals who care for other elderly individuals in a socially vulnerable environment. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 65 caregivers interviewed using a characterization instrument, Katz Index, Lawton and Brody Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale, with data analyzed using comparison and correlation tests. Results: the majority were women, spouses of the elderly being cared for, and had poor sleep quality. A weak and inverse correlation was observed between poor sleep quality and the positive social interaction dimension (Rho=-0.27; p=0.028). Significant relationships were identified between: material support and daytime dysfunction (p=0.034); emotional support and sleep efficiency (p=0.026); positive social interaction and subjective sleep quality (p=0.001), as well as daytime dysfunction (p=0.008). Conclusion: The higher the positive social interaction, the better the sleep quality.

Objetivo: analizar la relación entre el apoyo social y la calidad del sueño de personas mayores que cuidan de otras personas mayores en entornos socialmente vulnerables. Método: estudio transversal realizado con 65 cuidadores entrevistados mediante un instrumento de caracterización, Índice de Katz, Escala de Lawton y Brody, Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh y Escala de Apoyo Social del Medical Outcomes Study, los datos fueron analizados mediante pruebas de comparación y correlación. Resultados: la mayoría eran mujeres, cónyuges del adulto mayor que recibe el cuidado y tenían mala calidad del sueño. Se observó una correlación débil e inversa entre la mala calidad del sueño y la dimensión de interacción social positiva (Rho=-0,27; p=0,028). Se identificó que había relación significativa entre: apoyo material y disfunción diurna (p=0,034); apoyo afectivo y eficiencia del sueño (p=0,026); interacción social positiva y calidad subjetiva del sueño (p=0,001) y disfunción diurna (p=0,008). Conclusión: Cuanto mayor sea la interacción social positiva, mejor será la calidad del sueño.

Association between telomere length and anorexia of ageing: a cross-sectional study conducted with community-dwelling older people.

BACKGROUND: To verify whether shorter telomere length is associated with anorexia of ageing in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: Conducted as a cross-sectional investigation, the study enrolled 448 participants residing in an urban area of a municipality in Brazil. Relative telomere length in blood samples was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), whereas the presence of anorexia of ageing was determined using the Simplified Appetite Nutritional Questionnaire. Data analysis employed multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the 448 older individuals surveyed, 70.69% were female, and the predominant age bracket ranged from 60 to 69 years (45.08%). Approximately 25% exhibited the shortest telomeric length, with a corresponding anorexia of ageing prevalence of 41.16%. Older individuals with diminished telomere lengths displayed an increased likelihood of experiencing anorexia of ageing (odds ratio [OR] = 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-3.29), independent of factors such as gender, age group, depressive symptoms, pain and performance in basic daily life activities. CONCLUSIONS: The observed association between anorexia of ageing and a telomeric biomarker underscores the imperative to meticulously evaluate the nutritional dimensions of older people, with a view to implementing interventions that may enhance their overall health status.

Estado nutricional de gestantes adolescentes assistidas pela Atenção Básica: um estudo de série temporal com dados do estado de Minas Gerais / Nutritional status of pregnant adolescents assisted in Primary Care: A time series study with data from the state of Minas Gerais

Estudo ecológico, de série temporal, que teve como objetivo analisar a tendência do estado nutricional de gestantes adolescentes assistidas pela atenção primária à saúde em Minas Gerais. Os dados foram provenientes do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional, referente ao estado nutricional de 140.969 gestantes adolescentes entre os anos de 2010 a 2019; apresentados em variação percentual anual por meio da regressão linear simples. O baixo peso mostrou tendência decrescente nas macrorregiões Sul e Triângulo do Norte com variação anual de -0,88% (IC95% -1,67; -0,09) e -0,79% (IC95% -1,06; -0,51) e o excesso de peso registrou tendência crescente nas macrorregiões Nordeste, Noroeste, Norte, Triângulo do Sul e Vale do Aço com a variação anual de 0,28% (IC95% 0,04;0,52), 0,37% (IC95% 0,23;0,51), 0,64% (IC95% 0,32;0,95), 0,44% (IC95% 0,18;0,70) e 0,57% (IC95% 0,26;0,88), respectivamente. Conclui-se que, no período avaliado, houve a tendência de aumento do excesso de peso entre as gestantes adolescentes no estado de Minas Gerais, acompanhando o processo de transição nutricional no país (AU).

An ecological and time-series study to analyze trends in the nutritional status of pregnant adolescents assisted in Primary Health Care in Minas Gerais. The data came from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, referring to the nutritional status of 140,969 pregnant adolescents between 2010 and 2019, presented in annual percentage change using simple linear regression. Low weight showed a decreasing trend in the South and Northern Triangle macro-regions with annual variations of -0.88% (95% CI: -1.67;-0.09) and -0.79% (95% CI: -1.06;-0.51); in turn, excess weight recorded an increasing trend in the Northeast, Northwest, North, Southern Triangle and Vale do Aço macro-regions, with annual variations of 0.28% (95% CI: 0.04;0.52), 0.37% (95% CI: 0.23;0.51), 0.64% (95% CI: 0.32;0.95), 0.44% (95% CI: 0.18;0.70), and 0.57% (95% CI: 0.26;0.88), respectively. It is concluded that, during the evaluated period, there was an increasing trend in excess weight among pregnant adolescents in the state of Minas Gerais, following the nutritional transition process in the country (AU).

Association of Food Consumption According to the Degree of Processing and Sociodemographic Conditions in Older Adults.

Several factors can impact food consumption in older adults, including those of sociodemographic, physiological, and chronic non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association of food consumption according to its degree of processing with sociodemographic conditions in community-dwelling older adults. Food intake was evaluated from 24-h recall data. All food items were classified according to the degree of processing into four groups as follows: in natura or minimally processed, culinary ingredients, processed, and ultra-processed foods. Food groups were considered dependent variables in a quantile regression model, adjusting for sex, age, schooling, ethnicity, and number of residents. Women and individuals with higher levels of education had lower consumption of in natura or minimally processed foods and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. The yellow or indigenous ethnicity presented the lowest consumption of processed foods; older people who lived with three or more individuals had the highest consumption of culinary ingredients, whereas the older people who lived with one to two people had the highest consumption of processed foods and the lowest consumption of ultra-processed. These groups may be the target of educational and public policies to improve diet quality and contribute to quality of life in older ages.

Depressive symptoms and sleep in aged caregivers in a context of high social vulnerability.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in aged caregivers of elderly people, in a context of high social vulnerability. METHODS: A Cross-sectional study conducted between July 2019 and March 2020 with 65 aged caregivers of elderly people that were treated in five Family Heath Units from São Carlos, São Paulo. Instruments to characterize the caregivers and to evaluate the depressive symptoms and sleep quality were used in data collection. The Kruskal Wallis and Spearman Correlation tests were adopted. RESULTS: 73.9% of the caregivers presented poor sleep quality and 69.2% did not have depressive symptoms. In the caregivers with severe depressive symptoms, the mean sleep quality score was 11.4; in those with mild depressive symptoms, it was 9.0; and in those without depressive symptoms, it was 6.4. There was a direct and moderate correlation between sleep quality and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in aged caregivers.

Vigilância alimentar e nutricional em Minas Gerais: uma contribuição para intervenções nutricionais? / Food and nutrition surveillance in Minas Gerais: a contribution to nutritional interventions?

Analisar a situação da alimentação de crianças atendidas nos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Os dados foram provenientes dos relatórios públicos do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional, referentes ao consumo alimentar de crianças de 5 a 9 anos de idade, assistidas pela Atenção Primária à Saúde do estado de Minas Gerais, entre 2015 a 2019. Os dados foram apresentados em percentual, variação percentual média e pontos percentuais, obtidos por meio da regressão linear simples. O consumo alimentar de 120.666 crianças caracterizou-se inadequado, com crescente tendência no hábito de realizar as refeições assistindo à televisão, em ambos os sexos (p = 0,045 para o sexo feminino, p = 0,008 no sexo masculino). Faz-se necessária maior atenção à população estudada para promoção de alimentação adequada e saudável, incluindo o cuidado multiprofissional, na rede de Atenção Primária à Saúde.

To analyze the dietary situation of children assisted in Primary Health Care services. Data originated from public reports from the Food and Nutritional Surveillance System, referring to the food consumption of children aged 5 to 9 years old and assisted by Primary Health Care in the state of Minas Gerais between 2015 and 2019. Data was presented in percentage, average percentage variation, and percentage points, found using a simple linear regression. The food intake of 120,666 children was characterized as inadequate, with a growing tendency towards the habit of having meals while watching television in both sexes (p=0.045 for females, p=0.008 for males). Greater focus on the population studied here is necessary to promote adequate and healthy eating in children, including the provision of multidisciplinary care in the Primary Health Care network.

Qualidade de vida e apoio social de pessoas idosas cuidadoras e receptoras de cuidado em alta vulnerabilidade social / Quality of life and social support of older adults caregivers and care recipients in high social vulnerability

Resumo Objetivo comparar a qualidade de vida e o apoio social entre pessoas idosas cuidadoras e receptoras de cuidado. Método estudo observacional, transversal e quantitativo, realizado com 112 pessoas idosas cadastradas em cinco Unidades de Saúde da Família em contexto de alta vulnerabilidade social em um município do interior paulista, Brasil. Foram avaliadas variáveis sociodemográficas, de cuidado e de saúde, apoio social pela Escala de Apoio Social do Medical Outcomes Study e qualidade de vida pelo WHOQOL-bref e WHOQOL-old. Para a análise de dados foram utilizados os testes qui-quadrado de Pearson, Mann-Whitney e correlação de Spearman. Resultados houve diferença significativa entre os participantes para apoio material (p=0,004) e domínio físico da escala de qualidade de vida (p=0,002). Pessoas idosas cuidadoras têm menores escores de apoio material e melhor percepção do domínio físico da escala de qualidade de vida quando comparadas às receptoras de cuidado. Ademais, observou-se correlação direta e moderada entre qualidade de vida e apoio social de pessoas idosas cuidadoras (p<0,001), ou seja, quanto maior a pontuação obtida na escala de apoio social, maior também será a pontuação na escala de qualidade de vida. Conclusão pessoas idosas cuidadoras apresentaram menores escores de apoio material e melhor percepção do domínio físico da escala de qualidade de vida em comparação às receptoras de cuidado. Ações relativas à ampliação da quantidade de relacionamentos significativos dos cuidadores pode ser útil para melhorar o apoio social, com consequente melhora dos demais aspectos envolvidos na qualidade de vida.

Abstract Objective to compare quality of life and social support between older adults caregivers and care recipients. Method observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study, carried out with 112 older adults registered in five Family Health Units in a context of high social vulnerability in a city in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. Sociodemographic, care and health variables, social support by the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale and quality of life by the WHOQOL-bref and WHOQOL-old were evaluated. For data analysis, Pearson's Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney and Spearman's Correlation tests were used. Results There was a significant difference between the participants for material support (p=0.004) and physical domain of the quality of life scale (p=0.002). Older adults caregivers have lower material support scores and better perception of the physical domain of the quality of life scale when compared to care recipients. Furthermore, there was a direct and moderate correlation between quality of life and social support of older adults (p<0.001), that is, the higher the score on the social support scale, the higher the score on the quality of life scale. Conclusion adults caregivers presented lower material support scores and better perception of the physical domain of the quality of life scale compared to care receptors. Actions related to expanding the amount of significant relationships of caregivers can be useful for improving social support, with consequent improvement of the other aspects involved in quality of life.

Qualidade de vida de cuidadores familiares de pessoas idosas acamadas / Calidad de vida de cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores encamados / Quality of life of family caregivers of bedridden older adults

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores familiares e sua relação com as condições socioeconômicas, de saúde e de prestação de cuidado. Métodos Estudo transversal e analítico realizado na cidade de Palmas/TO, no período de 2020-2022, com amostra de 49 cuidadores familiares de idosos acamados. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo instrumento "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). Para verificar a relação entre os componentes físico e mental e variáveis independentes, utilizou-se o Teste T. Resultados Os cuidadores apresentaram valores médios do componente físico de 43,26 pontos (IC 95%: 39,87 - 46,64) e no componente mental, de 50,98 pontos (IC 95%: 47,96 - 54,00). Encontraram-se diferenças significativas entre os escores do componente mental para disfunção familiar, consumo de bebida alcóolica e sobrecarga; e, entre o componente físico para multimorbidade, polifarmácia, índice de massa corpórea e sobrecarga. Conclusão Os achados deste estudo demonstraram relação entre condições sociais, de saúde, cuidado e qualidade de vida, concedendo assim conhecimento aos profissionais de saúde para orientá-los no planejamento de ações que visem a melhoria da qualidade de vida do cuidador.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la calidad de vida de los cuidadores familiares y su relación con las condiciones socioeconómicas, de salud y de prestación de cuidado. Métodos Estudio transversal y analítico realizado en la ciudad de Palmas, estado de Tocantins, en el período 2020-2022, con una muestra de 49 cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores encamados. La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el instrumento "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). Se utilizó el test-T para verificar la relación entre los componentes físicos y mentales y las variables independientes. Resultados Los cuidadores presentaron un valor promedio del componente físico de 43,26 puntos (IC 95 %: 39,87 - 46,64) y del componente mental de 50,98 puntos (IC 95 %: 47,96 - 54,00). Se observaron diferencias significativas en la puntuación del componente mental en disfunción familiar, consumo de bebida alcohólica y sobrecarga; y en el componente físico, en multimorbilidad, polifarmacia, índice de masa corporal y sobrecarga. Conclusión Los resultados de este estudio demostraron que existe relación entre las condiciones sociales, de salud, cuidado y calidad de vida, lo que permite que los profesionales de la salud tengan conocimientos para la planificación de acciones que busquen mejorar la calidad de vida de del cuidador.

Abstract Objective To assess the quality of life of family caregivers and their relationship with socioeconomic, health and care conditions. Methods a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in the city of Palmas/TO, in the period of 2020-2022, with a sample of 49 family caregivers of bedridden older adults. Quality of life was assessed by the instrument "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). To verify the relationship between physical and mental components and independent variables, the t-test was used. Results Caregivers presented mean values of the physical component of 43.26 points (95% CI: 39.87 - 46.64) and the mental component of 50.98 points (95% CI: 47.96 - 54.00). Significant differences were found between the scores of the mental component for family dysfunction, alcohol consumption and overload, and between the physical component for multimorbidity, polypharmacy, body mass index and overload. Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrated a relationship between social conditions, health, care and quality of life, thus granting knowledge to health professionals to guide them in planning actions aimed at improving caregivers' quality of life.

Frailty is associated with sociodemographic and health factors and related to the care context of older caregivers: a Brazilian cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: The task of caring can arise suddenly without guidance or support, resulting in psychological tension and health impairment, which can culminate in the development of frailty. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between frailty and sociodemographic and health aspects related to the care context of older caregivers. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 65 older caregivers registered in family health units in the interior of the state of São Paulo. METHODS: The participants were interviewed individually using the following instruments: a characterization questionnaire, Fried's frailty phenotype, Zarit Burden's Interview, Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Katz Index, and Lawton Scale. In addition, the following statistical tests were applied: Pearson's chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney test. A significance level of 5% was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Women who took care of their spouses predominated without prior training or the help of other people. Most of the patients were pre-frail (72.3%). Frailty was significantly related to marital status (P = 0.016), depressive symptoms (P = 0.029), cognitive decline (P = 0.029), the degree of kinship (P = 0.015), and burden (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Older caregivers without a partner, with severe depressive symptoms and cognitive changes, who cared for their parents, and had higher levels of burden, presented a higher proportion of frailty.

Depressive symptoms and sleep in aged caregivers in a context of high social vulnerability / Síntomas depresivos y sueño de ancianos cuidadores inmersos en un contexto de alta vulnerabilidad social / Sintomas depressivos e sono de idosos cuidadores inseridos em contexto de alta vulnerabilidade social

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in aged caregivers of elderly people, in a context of high social vulnerability. Methods: A Cross-sectional study conducted between July 2019 and March 2020 with 65 aged caregivers of elderly people that were treated in five Family Heath Units from São Carlos, São Paulo. Instruments to characterize the caregivers and to evaluate the depressive symptoms and sleep quality were used in data collection. The Kruskal Wallis and Spearman Correlation tests were adopted. Results: 73.9% of the caregivers presented poor sleep quality and 69.2% did not have depressive symptoms. In the caregivers with severe depressive symptoms, the mean sleep quality score was 11.4; in those with mild depressive symptoms, it was 9.0; and in those without depressive symptoms, it was 6.4. There was a direct and moderate correlation between sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: There is a relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in aged caregivers.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre síntomas depresivos y calidad del sueño de ancianos cuidadores de ancianos en contexto de alta vulnerabilidad social. Métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado de Julio/2019 a Marzo/2020 con 65 ancianos cuidadores de ancianos, atendidos por cinco Unidades de Salud de la Familia, en São Carlos, São Paulo. En la recopilación de datos se utilizaron instrumentos para caracterizar a los cuidadores, evaluar los síntomas depresivos y la calidad del sueño. Se adoptaron las pruebas de Kruskal Wallis y el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: 73,9% de los cuidadores presentaron sueño de mala calidad y 69,2% no presentaron síntomas depresivos. En los cuidadores con síntomas depresivos graves, la puntuación media de la calidad del sueño fue de 11,4, en aquellos con síntomas depresivos leves fue de 9,0 y en aquellos sin síntomas depresivos fue de 6,4. Hubo una correlación directa y moderada entre la calidad del sueño y los síntomas depresivos. Conclusión: Existe una relación entre los síntomas depresivos y la calidad del sueño en ancianos cuidadores.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre sintomas depressivos e qualidade do sono de idosos cuidadores de idosos em contexto de alta vulnerabilidade social. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado de julho/2019 a março/2020 com 65 idosos cuidadores de idosos, atendidos por cinco Unidades de Saúde da Família, em São Carlos, São Paulo. Instrumentos para caracterizar os cuidadores, avaliar os sintomas depressivos e a qualidade do sono foram usados na coleta de dados. Os testes Kruskal Wallis e Correlação de Spearman foram adotados. Resultados: 73,9% dos cuidadores apresentaram sono de má qualidade e 69,2% não apresentaram sintomas depressivos. Nos cuidadores com sintomas depressivos severos, o escore médio de qualidade do sono foi 11,4, nos com sintomas depressivos leves foi 9,0 e naqueles sem sintomas depressivos foi 6,4. Houve correlação direta e moderada entre qualidade do sono e sintomas depressivos. Conclusão: Existe relação entre sintomas depressivos e qualidade do sono em idosos cuidadores.

Polypharmacy and drug classes in fall risk among older adults / Polifarmácia e uso de classes medicamentosas no risco de quedas em pessoas idosas

OBJECTIVE: To identify polypharmacy, including drug classes that, when used concomitantly, increase fall risk in older adults.METHODS: This cross-sectional quantitative study included noninstitutionalized individuals aged ≥ 60 years living in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. In the descriptive data analysis, the frequency distributions were evaluated and multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with fall risk. The ROC curve was used to determine the logistic model's accuracy. RESULTS: The fall rate was higher among women (73.30%) and the 70­79 year age group (42.50%). A total of 80.70% of the participants used ≥ 1 medication and 32.60% used 2­3 medications. According to the odds ratio calculation, use of medications with possible drug interactions increased the occurrence of falls by 47.00% in the last 12 months. The model's accuracy was 55.00%. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that polypharmacy and the use of certain drug classes in older adults can lead to potential drug interactions, making them more susceptible to adverse events, such as postural hypotension, vertigo, dizziness, and loss of balance, all of which increase fall risk. Educational measures for older adults on correct medication use are needed

OBJETIVO: Identificar o uso da polifarmácia e de classes medicamentosas que, quando usadas concomitantemente, elevam os riscos de quedas em pessoas idosas. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, com delineamento transversal, com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais, não institucionalizados, residentes em área urbana do município de Rio Branco, capital do estado do Acre. Na análise descritiva dos dados, avaliaram-se as distribuições de frequências e, para identificação dos fatores associados, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão logística múltipla. Para verificar a qualidade do modelo logístico na identificação da acurácia, utilizou-se a curva de característica de operação do receptor. RESULTADOS: Pessoas idosas do sexo feminino (73,30%) e de faixa etária de 70 a 79 anos (42,50%) obtiveram maiores ocorrências de quedas; 80,70% das pessoas idosas que apresentaram queda faziam a utilização de, no mínimo, um medicamento; 32,60% dos indivíduos idosos faziam uso de dois ou três medicamentos. Pela tabela de razão de chances, constatou-se que o uso de determinada medicação aumentou em 47,00% a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos 12 meses. O modelo apresentou uma acurácia de 55,00%. CONCLUSÃO: Tendo em vista os aspectos observados, conclui-se que a prática de polifarmácia e o uso acentuado de determinadas classes medicamentosas em pessoas idosas podem gerar potenciais interações medicamentosas e deixá-las mais suscetíveis a eventos adversos, como hipotensão postural, vertigem, tontura, perda do equilíbrio e vulnerabilidade, que propiciam o risco de quedas. Isto posto, é fundamental que os profissionais de saúde implementem medidas educativas favoráveis à correta utilização dos fármacos pelos indivíduos idosos

Percepções de cuidado ao idoso dependente: estudo qualitativo / Perceptions of care for dependent older adults: a qualitative study / Percepciones de cuidado a ancianos dependientes: estudio cualitativo

Objetivo: compreender as percepções de cuidadores familiares sobre os cuidados aos idosos dependentes. Método: estudo qualitativo na perspectiva do Interacionismo Simbólico, conduzido pelo movimento interpretativo das experiências de cuidado de idosos acamados, após aprovação dos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa das instituições envolvidas. Participaram oito cuidadores residentes em Palmas, TO, em janeiro a julho de 2020. Os dados foram coletados por meio da observação não participante e entrevista semiestruturada e utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: a partir das falas dos cuidadores, identificaram-se três categorias: "Retribuindo os cuidados de outrora", "Bem-estar, gratidão e afeto" e "Dificuldades no cuidado". O ato de cuidar foi expresso como oportunidade para retribuição, envolvido por sentimentos de satisfação, alegrias e gratidão, mas também, tristeza, mágoa, frustração, impotência e medo da finitude do idoso. Considerações finais: o ato de cuidar de idosos dependentes é marcado por experiências afetivas que provocam vivências de momentos de alegrias e de dificuldades.

Objective: to understand family caregivers' perceptions of care for dependent older adults. Method: this qualitative study was conducted, after research ethics committee approval, from the perspective of Symbolic Interactionism, by the interpretative movement of experiences of caring for very dependent older adults. Eight caregivers residing in Palmas, Tocantins, participated between January and July 2020. Data were collected through non-participant observation and semi-structured interview, and underwent content analysis. Results: the categories identified from the caregivers' statements were: "Repaying care from the past", "Wellbeing, gratefulness, and affection" and "Difficulties in care". The act of caring was expressed as an opportunity for retribution, enveloped in feelings of satisfaction, joy, and gratitude, but also sadness, grief, frustration, impotence, and fear of the older person's finitude. Final considerations: the act of caring for dependent older people is marked by affective experiences that lead to moments of joy and difficulties.

Objetivo: comprender las percepciones de los cuidadores familiares sobre el cuidado de ancianos dependientes. Método: estudio cualitativo en la perspectiva del Interaccionismo Simbólico, realizado por el movimiento interpretativo de las experiencias de cuidado a ancianos encamados, tras la aprobación de los Comités de Ética en Investigación de las instituciones involucradas. Participaron ocho cuidadores residentes en Palmas, TO, de enero a julio de 2020. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de observación no participante y se utilizó análisis de contenido. Resultados: a partir de las declaraciones de los cuidadores, fueron identificadas tres categorías: "Retribuyendo el cuidado del pasado", "Bienestar, gratitud y afecto" y "Dificultades en el cuidado". El acto de cuidar se expresó como una oportunidad de retribución, acompañado de sentimientos de satisfacción, alegría y gratitud, pero también de tristeza, pena, frustración, impotencia y miedo a la finitud del anciano. Consideraciones finales: el acto de cuidar a ancianos dependientes está marcado por experiencias afectivas que conducen a vivencias de momentos de alegría y dificultades.

Frailty is associated with sociodemographic and health factors and related to the care context of older caregivers: a Brazilian cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The task of caring can arise suddenly without guidance or support, resulting in psychological tension and health impairment, which can culminate in the development of frailty. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between frailty and sociodemographic and health aspects related to the care context of older caregivers. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 65 older caregivers registered in family health units in the interior of the state of São Paulo. METHODS: The participants were interviewed individually using the following instruments: a characterization questionnaire, Fried's frailty phenotype, Zarit Burden's Interview, Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Katz Index, and Lawton Scale. In addition, the following statistical tests were applied: Pearson's chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney test. A significance level of 5% was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Women who took care of their spouses predominated without prior training or the help of other people. Most of the patients were pre-frail (72.3%). Frailty was significantly related to marital status (P = 0.016), depressive symptoms (P = 0.029), cognitive decline (P = 0.029), the degree of kinship (P = 0.015), and burden (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Older caregivers without a partner, with severe depressive symptoms and cognitive changes, who cared for their parents, and had higher levels of burden, presented a higher proportion of frailty.

Association of Social Support Network with Telomere Length: A Cross-Sectional Study with Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Considering that telomere length can be determined not only by issues related to cell biology but also by aspects related to social factors and environmental exposures, studies on the relationship between social aspects and telomere length can help to better understand the still scarcely known aspects of the human aging process. Thus, this research seeks to verify whether social support networks are associated with telomere length in older adults. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 448 individuals aged at least 60 years living in the urban area of an inland Brazilian municipality. Relative quantification of telomere length was obtained through real-time qPCR. Social support was assessed through the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used in data analysis. The evaluated social support networks for older adults consist in a mean of 16.4 people, and the percentage of older adults who reported up to five members in their network was 27.75%. Shorter telomere length was identified in 25% of the participants, and the older adults who reported having up to five members in their support network were more likely to have a shorter telomere length than those who reported more numerous networks (odds ratio: 1.89, p = 0.011) regardless of gender, age, household arrangement, cognitive decline, and dependence for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, which suggests that measures that stimulate the creation and maintenance of social support networks should be implemented to improve older adults' health.

Correlation of family functionality and burden of informal caregivers of hospitalized older adults.

AIM: to analyze the relationship between family functionality and burden of informal caregivers of hospitalized older people. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional study conducted with 98 informal caregivers of hospitalized older people in an inpatient unit of a large hospital in São Carlos, São Paulo. For data collection were used questionnaires to sociodemographic and care context characterization, to evaluate burden and family functionality. Descriptive analyzes and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used. RESULTS: female caregivers predominated, who took care of their parents and had no training. Approximately 59.8% of caregivers had good family functionality and 49.5% scored for mild to moderate burden. There was a negative correlation, moderate magnitude, between family functionality and burden (p<0,001). The higher the burden score, the lower the family functionality score and vice versa. CONCLUSION: caregivers with high burden had worse family functionality. Therefore, nurses need to identify such conditions early and implement assertive interventions so that the family functions as a therapeutic resource.

Association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. / Associação entre deficiência de zinco e declínio cognitivo em idosos da comunidade.

This is a cross-sectional study evaluating the association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in 591 community-dwelling older adults living in the cities of Campinas, Limeira, and Piracicaba-SP. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument-CASI-S, considering a decline for scores <23 for those aged 60-69 and <20 for those aged ≥70 years. Among the evaluated cognitive domains, older adults with zinc deficiency had significantly lower mean scores on the memory test (p=0.018). For zinc deficiency, values below 70 µg/dL were considered for women and 74 µg/dL for men. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 3.9%, and cognitive deficit was 9.4%, being significantly higher in those with zinc deficiency compared with those with normal serum zinc concentrations. In adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors that remained associated with cognitive decline were zinc deficiency (OR=3.80; 95%CI=1.30-11.12), low schooling level (OR=3.12; 95%CI=1.49-6.50), lack of a partner (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.04-3.42), risk of malnutrition (OR=3.98; 95%CI=2.36-6.71), and a history of encephalic vascular accident (OR=2.70; 95%CI=1.04-6.98). Zinc deficiency was associated with the presence of cognitive decline in older adults. Actions in primary health care are necessary to prevent the deficiency of this nutrient.

Estudo transversal avaliou a associação entre deficiência de zinco sérico e declínio cognitivo em 591 idosos da comunidade residentes nos municípios de Campinas, Limeira e Piracicaba-SP. A cognição foi avaliada pelo Instrumento de Triagem de Habilidades Cognitivas-CASI-S considerando declínio pontuação <23 em idosos de 60-69 anos e <20 em idosos ≥70 anos. Considerou-se deficiência de zinco sérico valor de <70 µg/dL para mulheres e 74 µg/dL para homens. Entre os domínios cognitivos, idosos com deficiência de zinco tiveram pontuação média significativamente menor no teste de memória (p=0,018). A prevalência da deficiência de zinco foi de 3,9%, e de 9,4% de declínio cognitivo, sendo significativamente maior em idosos com deficiência de zinco do que os que não tinham (26,1% e 8,8%, respectivamente). Em análise de regressão logística múltipla ajustada, os fatores que permaneceram associados ao declínio cognitivo foram deficiência de zinco (OR=3,80; IC95%=1,30-11,12), baixa escolaridade (OR=3,12; IC95%=1,49-6,50), não ter companheiro (OR=1,88; IC95%=1,04-3,42), risco de desnutrição (OR=3,98; IC95%=2,36-6,71), e histórico de acidente vascular encefálico (OR=2,70; IC95%=1,04-6,98). A deficiência de zinco foi associada ao declínio cognitivo em idosos. Ações na atenção básica de saúde são necessárias para prevenir a deficiência deste nutriente.

Higher hemoglobin levels are associated with better physical performance among older adults without anemia: a longitudinal analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality among older adults, and it is associated with decreased physical performance. But the role of hemoglobin in the absence of anemia remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of hemoglobin levels on physical performance in Brazilian older adults without anemia. METHODS: The study is longitudinal in that it relies on two waves of the Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE; Health, Well-being, and Aging) study: 2010 and 2015-2016. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to determine the effects of the hemoglobin concentrations on the Short Physical Performance Battery-SPPB over time among the 1,023 who had complete data and did not have anemia in 2010. In the follow-up, there were 567 without anemia. RESULTS: In analyses adjusted for age, education, comorbidities, body mass index, and physical inactivity, we found a differential association between hemoglobin concentration and SBBP by sex, with a positive interaction (ß Hb*female= 0.20, 95% CI 0.04,0.37). At lower levels of hemoglobin, women have lower levels of SPPB than men, but at higher levels of hemoglobin concentration, there are no sex differences in physical performance. In addition, higher age was negatively associated with SPPB levels and cardiometabolic diseases, other diseases, and physical inactivity. Education was positively associated with physical performance. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that higher hemoglobin levels were associated with better physical performance among older adults without anemia in Brazil. However, there were sex differences in this association. This finding is important because, in clinical practice, most health professionals focus on the World Health Organization definition of anemia. Our study suggests the importance of hemoglobin levels among older adults, even those without anemia, and highlights sex differences.

Vitamin D insufficiency and factors associated: a study with older adults people from primary health care network. / Insuficiência de vitamina D e fatores associados: um estudo com idosos assistidos por serviços de atenção básica à saúde.

This article aims to analyze vitamin D insufficiency and factors associated among older adults using primary health care services. This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated 533 older adults individuals (≥ 60 years old) in three cities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was evaluated by chemiluminescence. The factors evaluated were sociodemographic information (sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, marital status), health conditions (reported diseases), body composition (BMI, waist circumference), lifestyle (physical activity and smoking), and sun exposure (purpose, duration, frequency, time of exposure, exposed body parts, use of sunscreen, skin type). The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 64.5%, presenting association with female participants, non-white/unreported ethnicity, low weight, high waist circumference (risk for CVD - cardiovascular disease), and physical inactivity. Negative association was observed with habitual sun exposure of hands, arms and legs, during leisure activities, daily commuting and physical activity, and between 9 am and 3 pm. The findings show the relevance of factors such as sex, ethnicity, body composition, physical activity, and sun exposure habits in the high prevalence of inadequate levels of vitamin D among older adults.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a insuficiência de vitamina D e fatores associados em idosos assistidos na atenção primária à saúde. Trata-se de um estudo transversal que avaliou 533 idosos (≥ 60 anos) em três cidades do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foi avaliada a 25-hidroxivitamina D (25 OH D) sérica por quimioluminescência. Os fatores avaliados foram condições sociodemográficas (sexo, faixa etária, etnia, escolaridade, renda, estado civil), de saúde (doenças referidas), composição corporal (IMC, circunferência da cintura), estilo de vida (atividade física e tabagismo) e exposição solar (finalidade, duração, frequência e horário de exposição, partes expostas, uso de protetor solar, tipo de pele). A prevalência de insuficiência foi de 64,5%, com associação para sexo feminino, etnia não brancos/não declarados, baixo peso, circunferência da cintura elevada (risco para DCV) e inatividade física. Houve associação negativa para exposição solar habitual de mãos, braços e pernas, durante atividade de lazer, deslocamentos diários e atividade física e entre as 9h e 15h. Os achados mostram a relevância de fatores como sexo, etnia, composição corporal, atividade física e hábitos de exposição solar na alta prevalência de níveis inadequados de vitamina D em idosos.