The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI): New Evidence for Its Validity.

OBJECTIVE: The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) is a self-report user-friendly questionnaire for assessing multidimensional frailty among community-dwelling older people. The main aim of this study is to re-evaluate the validity of the TFI, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, focusing on the predictive value of the total TFI and its physical, psychological, and social domains for adverse outcomes disability, indicators of healthcare utilization, and falls. METHODS: The validity of the TFI was determined in a sample of 180 Dutch community-dwelling older people aged 70 years and older. The participants completed questionnaires including the TFI, the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) for assessing disability, and questions with regard to health care utilization and falls in 2016 and again one year later. RESULTS: The physical and psychological domains of the TFI were significantly correlated as expected with adverse outcomes disability, many indicators of healthcare utilization, and falls. Regression analyses showed that physical frailty was mostly responsible for the effect of frailty on the adverse outcomes. The cross-sectional and longitudinal predictive validity of total frailty with respect to disability and receiving personal care was excellent, evidenced by Areas Under the Curves (AUCs) >0.8. In most cases, using the cut-off point 5 for total frailty ensured the best values for sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: The present study provided new, additional evidence for the validity of the TFI for assessing frailty in Dutch community-dwelling older people aiming to prevent or delay adverse outcomes, including disability.

Vulnerabilidade e fatores associados em idosos atendidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família / Vulnerability and associated factors among older people using the Family Health Strategy

Resumo Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a prevalência de vulnerabilidade e fatores associados em idosos atendidos pelas Estratégias Saúde da Família do município de Várzea Grande (MT). Estudo transversal realizado com 377 idosos. A variável dependente, vulnerabilidade, foi investigada através do The Vulnerable Elders Survey. As variáveis independentes foram as sociodemográficas e as condições de saúde, avaliadas através dos instrumentos validados: Miniexame do Estado Mental, Escala de Katz, Escala de Lawton, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e Miniavaliação Nutricional Reduzida. Foi realizada análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas e numéricas, análise bivariada calculando-se as Razões de Prevalência, utilizando o teste do χ2 de Mantel Haenszel e a análise múltipla usando a regressão de Poisson. Dos idosos, 49% são vulneráveis, sendo que a maior prevalência de vulnerabilidade esteve associada com a dependência em AIVD (RP = 4,43), apresentar sintomas depressivos (RP = 1,34) e estar na faixa etária de 80 anos e mais (RP = 1,34). A prevalência de vulnerabilidade encontrada no presente estudo foi alta ao se comparar com outros estudos realizados com idosos da comunidade, enquanto que o VES-13 demonstrou-se um instrumento de fácil aplicação na atenção primária em saúde e bastante prático na triagem de idosos vulneráveis.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of vulnerability and associated factors among older people using family health strategies in Várzea Grande, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was performed with 377 community-dwelling older people. The dependent variable, vulnerability, was assessed using the Vulnerable Elders Survey. The independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics and the health status of the study population assessed using the following validated instruments: the Mini-Mental State Examination; Katz ADL scale and Lawton and Brody IADL scale; Geriatric Depression Scale; and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test with prevalence ratios and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression. The data showed that 49% of the study population were vulnerable. The variables that showed the strongest association with vulnerability were dependence in IADLs (PR = 4.43), presence of depressive symptoms (PR = 1.34), and being aged 80 and over (PR = 1.34). The prevalence of vulnerability found by the present study was high when compared to other studies with community-dwelling older people. The VES-13 was shown to be easy to use in primary healthcare settings and particularly practical for screening vulnerability among older people.

A comparison between physical and biopsychosocial measures of frailty: Prevalence and associated factors in Brazilian older adults.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of frailty, according to Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and CHS index, to investigate the correlation between both instruments and to identify the factors associated with this condition in older users of primary health care. METHODS: This is a sectional study with 302 individuals aged 60 years or more of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. Sociodemographic, health, functional dependence and lifestyle variables were collected. Frailty was evaluated by the TFI (biopsychosocial frailty) and the CHS index (physical frailty). RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty estimated by the TFI was 35.8% and by the CHS index was 23.5%, while 19.2% were considered frail by both instruments. Significant correlations were observed between the two measures (r = 0.675, p < 0.001) and between the CHS index and the physical (r = 0.744, p < 0.001) and psychological domains (r = 0.322, p < 0.001) of the TFI. Considering the TFI, sex, age, healthy lifestyle, osteoarticular diseases, stroke/ischemia and functional dependence in IADL were associated with frailty. By the CHS index, marital status, satisfaction with housing environment, osteoarticular diseases, medication, functional dependence in ADL and IADL were associated with frailty. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the CHS index and the TFI identify different groups of frail older adults, and the factors associated with physical frailty and biopsychosocial frailty, also differ. Both instruments seem suitable to be used by primary health care professionals in Brazil. Nevertheless, we believe that a fully self-rated assessment is more practical to be applied routinely in this level of attention in the country.

Prevalence of and factors associated with frailty in elderly users of the Family Health Strategy / Prevalência e fatores associados à fragilidade em idosos usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família

Objetivo : analisar a prevalência e fatores associados à fragilidade em idosos usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método : estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal com 377 idosos. A variável dependente, a fragilidade, foi investigada através do Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). As variáveis independentes foram as sociodemográficas e as condições de saúde (avaliadas através dos instrumentos validados: Escala de Katz, Escala de Lawton, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica - GDS-15, Miniavaliação Nutricional - MAN, CIRS-G e polifarmácia). Foi realizada análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas e numéricas. Na análise bivariada calculou-se as razões de prevalência através do teste qui-quadrado de Mantel Haenszel e, na análise múltipla, utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson. Resultados : a prevalência estimada de fragilidade para a amostra foi de 65,25%. Na análise múltipla as variáveis estado civil (divorciado ou separado, viúvo ou solteiro), presença de sintomas depressivos, dependência em atividades instrumentais de vida diária, estado nutricional (desnutrição/risco de desnutrição) e presença de comorbidades se mantiveram associadas, com significância estatística, à fragilidade. Conclusão : o presente estudo apontou elevada prevalência de fragilidade, ressaltando a importância no conhecimento dessa temática a fim de estimular ações preventivas para minimizar desfechos adversos na população idosa, como hospitalização, quedas, fraturas e morte.

Objetivo : analisar a prevalência e fatores associados à fragilidade em idosos usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método : estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal com 377 idosos. A variável dependente, a fragilidade, foi investigada através do Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). As variáveis independentes foram as sociodemográficas e as condições de saúde (avaliadas através dos instrumentos validados: Escala de Katz, Escala de Lawton, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica - GDS-15, Miniavaliação Nutricional - MAN, CIRS-G e polifarmácia). Foi realizada análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas e numéricas. Na análise bivariada calculou-se as razões de prevalência através do teste qui-quadrado de Mantel Haenszel e, na análise múltipla, utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson. Resultados : a prevalência estimada de fragilidade para a amostra foi de 65,25%. Na análise múltipla as variáveis estado civil (divorciado ou separado, viúvo ou solteiro), presença de sintomas depressivos, dependência em atividades instrumentais de vida diária, estado nutricional (desnutrição/risco de desnutrição) e presença de comorbidades se mantiveram associadas, com significância estatística, à fragilidade. Conclusão : o presente estudo apontou elevada prevalência de fragilidade, ressaltando a importância no conhecimento dessa temática a fim de estimular ações preventivas para minimizar desfechos adversos na população idosa, como hospitalização, quedas, fraturas e morte.

Predictive validity of the Brazilian version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator for adverse health outcomes in older adults.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the predictive value of the Brazilian Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) for adverse health outcomes (falls, hospitalization, disability and death), in a follow-up period of twelve months. METHODS: This longitudinal study was carried out with a sample of people using primary health care services in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At baseline the sample consisted of 963 people aged 60 years and older. A subset of all respondents participated again one year later (n = 640, 66.6% response rate). We used the TFI, the Katz's scale for assessing ADL disability and the Lawton Scale for assessing IADL disability. Falls, hospitalization and death were also assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was 44.2% and the mean score of the TFI was 4.4 (SD = 3.0). There was a higher risk of loss in functional capacity in ADL (OR = 3.03, CI95% 1.45-6.29) and in IADL (OR = 1.51, CI95% 1.05-2.17), falls (OR = 2.08, CI95% 1.21-3.58), hospitalization (OR = 1.83, CI95% 1.10-3.06), and death (HR = 2.73, CI95% 1.04-7.19) for frail when compared to non-frail elderly, in the bivariate analyses. Controlling for the sociodemographic variables, the frailty domains together improved the prediction of hospitalization, falls and loss in functional capacity in ADL, but not loss in functional capacity in IADL. CONCLUSION: The TFI is a good predictor of adverse health outcomes among elderly users of primary care services in Brazil and appears an adequate and easy to administer tool for monitoring their health conditions.

Vulnerability and associated factors among older people using the Family Health Strategy. / Vulnerabilidade e fatores associados em idosos atendidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família.

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of vulnerability and associated factors among older people using family health strategies in Várzea Grande, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was performed with 377 community-dwelling older people. The dependent variable, vulnerability, was assessed using the Vulnerable Elders Survey. The independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics and the health status of the study population assessed using the following validated instruments: the Mini-Mental State Examination; Katz ADL scale and Lawton and Brody IADL scale; Geriatric Depression Scale; and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test with prevalence ratios and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression. The data showed that 49% of the study population were vulnerable. The variables that showed the strongest association with vulnerability were dependence in IADLs (PR = 4.43), presence of depressive symptoms (PR = 1.34), and being aged 80 and over (PR = 1.34). The prevalence of vulnerability found by the present study was high when compared to other studies with community-dwelling older people. The VES-13 was shown to be easy to use in primary healthcare settings and particularly practical for screening vulnerability among older people.

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a prevalência de vulnerabilidade e fatores associados em idosos atendidos pelas Estratégias Saúde da Família do município de Várzea Grande (MT). Estudo transversal realizado com 377 idosos. A variável dependente, vulnerabilidade, foi investigada através do The Vulnerable Elders Survey. As variáveis independentes foram as sociodemográficas e as condições de saúde, avaliadas através dos instrumentos validados: Miniexame do Estado Mental, Escala de Katz, Escala de Lawton, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e Miniavaliação Nutricional Reduzida. Foi realizada análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas e numéricas, análise bivariada calculando-se as Razões de Prevalência, utilizando o teste do χ2 de Mantel Haenszel e a análise múltipla usando a regressão de Poisson. Dos idosos, 49% são vulneráveis, sendo que a maior prevalência de vulnerabilidade esteve associada com a dependência em AIVD (RP = 4,43), apresentar sintomas depressivos (RP = 1,34) e estar na faixa etária de 80 anos e mais (RP = 1,34). A prevalência de vulnerabilidade encontrada no presente estudo foi alta ao se comparar com outros estudos realizados com idosos da comunidade, enquanto que o VES-13 demonstrou-se um instrumento de fácil aplicação na atenção primária em saúde e bastante prático na triagem de idosos vulneráveis.

Self-rated health and associated factors in elderly patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Self-rated health is a useful indicator for understanding health issues in elderly populations and considered to be a predictor of adverse health outcomes in this group. This study aims to identify factors associated with self-rated health in elderly people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed at a cancer referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, included 162 patients, aged 60 or more years. All patients received a Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment, including seven health dimensions, and socio-demographic, epidemiological and it were collected clinical data. Descriptive analyses were performed and prevalence ratios were calculated to assess associations between self-rated health and the independent variables. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson's regression, to a ≤0.05 level of statistical significance. RESULTS: The study population mean age was 68.8 (SD=7.1) years; most were women, lived with a partner and had little education. Prevalence of fair/poor self-rated health was 33.6%. Being female, not living with a partner, functional dependence, depressive symptoms and nutritional risk/malnutrion showed associations with fair/poor self-rated health. In the multiple model, dependence in instrumental activities of daily living (PR 2.96; 95%CI 1.66-5.30) and presence of depressive symptoms (PR 1.78; 95%CI 1.15-2.75) remained associated with fair/poor health. CONCLUSION: Variation in perceived health status supports the hypothesis that self-rated health is related to multiple issues, regardless of disease status. The risk profile for poor self-rated health identified may be a useful tool in care for older cancer patients, as it points to those at higher risk of adverse health outcomes.

Caracterização da saúde de idosos numa perspectiva fonoaudiológica / Characterization of the elderly health in a speech and language therapy perspective

RESUMO Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de problemas da comunicação oral, memória, leitura, escrita, voz, audição e motricidade orofacial em idosos. Métodos: estudo transversal, com 75 idosos cadastrados em uma Clínica da Família carioca. Foram estimadas as prevalências por sexos e conjuntamente. Verificou-se a presença de diferenças entre os sexos por meio dos testes t e qui-quadrado. Resultados: os principais problemas de comunicação oral e memória foram "evita se comunicar" (20,5%) e "dificuldades em lembrar fatos recentes e passados" (34,7% e 26,4%, respectivamente). Observou-se elevada prevalência de dificuldade na leitura e escrita. Em relação à audição, 43,1% relataram "ver televisão e ouvir rádio muito alto". Quanto à voz, 71,2% referiam "falar alto ou gritando" e 23,6% "ficar roucos com frequência". Na motricidade orofacial, 24,7% apresentavam "dificuldades na mastigação em geral" e 54,8% "roncavam ao dormir". Conclusão: neste estudo, observou-se uma grande parcela de idosos que referia dificuldades relacionadas às habilidades de linguagem, audição, fonação e mastigação, que são funções relacionadas à socialização, bem-estar e manutenção da autonomia funcional, podendo interferir diretamente na sua qualidade de vida e saúde.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to estimate the prevalence of oral communication, memory, reading and writing, voice and oral motor skills problems in elderly people. Methods: cross-sectional study with 75 older people registered in a Family Clinic of Rio de Janeiro. It was estimated the prevalence, in all cases and by sex. The presence of differences between the sexes was verified by statistical tests t and chi-square. Results: the problems most frequently related to oral communication and memory were the avoidance to communicate (20.5%), difficulty in remembering recent and past events (34.7% and 26.4% respectively). There was a high prevalence of difficulty in reading and writing. According to hearing, 43.10% reported "watching television and listening to radio too loud." Related to voice perception, 71.2% referred "speak loudly or shouting" and 23.6% to "get hoarse frequently." As far as Myofunctional oral motor skill, 24.7% had "difficulties in chewing in general" and 54.8% "snoring while sleeping." Conclusion: in this study, there was a large proportion of elderly people who referred difficulties related to language, hearing, speech and chewing skills, which are functions related to socialization, welfare and maintenance of functional autonomy and can directly interfere with their quality of life and health.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13).

This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13). Interviews were carried out with individuals aged 60 years and over receiving care at an ambulatory cancer centre. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficients and Cohen's kappa coefficient. Construct validity was assessed by testing convergent and discriminant validity using principal component analysis and Varimax rotation. The Spearman correlation coefficient value of the comparison between test and retest scores was 0.98 (p < 0.001). All intraclass correlation coefficient values were higher than 0.60 and kappa coefficients varied between 0.33 and 0.94. Three identified factors explained 72.6% of overall sample variance. VES-13 presented good convergent validity and reasonable discriminant validity. The psychometric properties of the adapted version of the VES-13 are consistent and adequate for use with the Brazilian population.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) / Propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do instrumento Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) / Propiedades psicométricas de la versión brasileña del instrumento Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13)

This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13). Interviews were carried out with individuals aged 60 years and over receiving care at an ambulatory cancer centre. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficients and Cohen's kappa coefficient. Construct validity was assessed by testing convergent and discriminant validity using principal component analysis and Varimax rotation. The Spearman correlation coefficient value of the comparison between test and retest scores was 0.98 (p < 0.001). All intraclass correlation coefficient values were higher than 0.60 and kappa coefficients varied between 0.33 and 0.94. Three identified factors explained 72.6% of overall sample variance. VES-13 presented good convergent validity and reasonable discriminant validity. The psychometric properties of the adapted version of the VES-13 are consistent and adequate for use with the Brazilian population.

Este estudo visa a avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13). Entrevistas com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais, atendidos em unidade ambulatorial de hospital de câncer. Confiabilidade teste-reteste avaliada com coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, coeficientes de correlação intraclasse e kappa. Análise exploratória para avaliação do constructo por meio da análise de componentes principais com rotação varimax. Validade de constructo examinada por validade convergente e divergente. O coeficiente de correlação de Spearman entre os escores de teste e reteste foi 0,98 (p < 0,001). Todos os coeficientes de correlação intraclasse apresentaram valores maiores que 0,60 e os coeficientes kappa variaram entre 0,33 e 0,94. Três fatores explicaram 72,6% da variância total da amostra. O VES-13 apresentou boa validade convergente e validade divergente razoável. A versão brasileira do VES-13 apresentou propriedades psicométricas consistentes.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión brasileña del Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13). Se realizaron entrevistas con individuos de 60 o más años, tratados en un ambulatorio de un hospital oncológico. La fiabilidad test-retest fue evaluada con coeficientes de correlación de Spearman, coeficientes de correlación intraclase y kappa. El análisis exploratorio para la evaluación del constructo por análisis de componentes principales se realizó con rotación varimax. La validez del constructo se examinó a través de la validez convergente y divergente. Los coeficientes de correlación de Spearman entre las puntuaciones de la prueba y el retest fueron 0,98 (p < 0,001). Todos los coeficientes de correlación intraclase presentaron valores superiores a 0,60 y los coeficientes Kappa oscilaron entre 0,33 y 0,94. Tres factores explicaron un 72,6% de la varianza total. El VES-13 presentó buena validez convergente y razón divergente. La versión brasileña del VES-13 presenta propiedades psicométricas consistentes.

Depressive symptoms in institutionalized older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among institutionalized elderly individuals and to analyze factors associated with this condition. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 462 individuals aged 60 or older, residents in long stay institutions in four Brazilian municipalities. The dependent variable was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Poisson's regression was used to evaluate associations with co-variables. We investigated which variables were most relevant in terms of presence of depressive symptoms within the studied context through factor analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 48.7%. The variables associated with depressive symptoms were: regular/bad/very bad self-rated health; comorbidities; hospitalizations; and lack of friends in the institution. Five components accounted for 49.2% of total variance of the sample: functioning, social support, sensory deficiency, institutionalization and health conditions. In the factor analysis, functionality and social support were the components which explained a large part of observed variance. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms, with significant variation in distribution, was observed. Such results emphasize the importance of health conditions and functioning for institutionalized older individuals developing depression. They also point to the importance of providing opportunities for interaction among institutionalized individuals.

Factors associated with functional incapacity in elders living in long stay institutions in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increase of the elderly population and the high prevalence of chronic diseases have contributed to the increasing importance of functional ability as a global public health problem. This study aimed to assess functional capacity in institutionalized elders, as well as undertake an exploratory analysis of its associated factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with institutionalized Brazilian elders. Functional capacity was assessed using the Katz Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Lawton Scale for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The characteristics of dependent individuals were described and logistic regression models were developed for both scales. Multiple models that included all selected variables were developed using a hierarchical approach. We considered the results from the Wald test (p <0.05) as a rule for progressing to the next level. RESULTS: A population of 760 elders was considered. The prevalence of dependence was 50.3% for ADL and 81.2% for IADL. We observed associations between ADL dependence and the following factors: self-report of stroke, difficulty of walking 400 meters, lower total scores in questions related to the temporal orientation section of the cognition test, and self-reports of frequently feeling upset. IADL dependence was associated with educational level, self-report of cancer, difficulty of walking 400 meters, use of glasses, and self-reported memory problems. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic and health conditions were associated with functional incapacity in institutionalized elders. Based on these findings, we emphasize the importance of both prevention and treatment of chronic conditions as well as social support in the maintenance of individuals' autonomy.

Depressive symptoms in institutionalized older adults / Sintomas depressivos em idosos institucionalizados

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among institutionalized elderly individuals and to analyze factors associated with this condition. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving 462 individuals aged 60 or older, residents in long stay institutions in four Brazilian municipalities. The dependent variable was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Poisson’s regression was used to evaluate associations with co-variables. We investigated which variables were most relevant in terms of presence of depressive symptoms within the studied context through factor analysis. RESULTS Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 48.7%. The variables associated with depressive symptoms were: regular/bad/very bad self-rated health; comorbidities; hospitalizations; and lack of friends in the institution. Five components accounted for 49.2% of total variance of the sample: functioning, social support, sensory deficiency, institutionalization and health conditions. In the factor analysis, functionality and social support were the components which explained a large part of observed variance. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of depressive symptoms, with significant variation in distribution, was observed. Such results emphasize the importance of health conditions and functioning for institutionalized older individuals developing depression. They also point to the importance of providing opportunities for interaction among institutionalized individuals. .

OBJETIVO Analisar a prevalência de depressão em idosos institucionalizados e os fatores associados. MÉTODOS Estudo seccional com 462 indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais, residentes em instituições de longa permanência em quatro municípios brasileiros. A variável dependente foi avaliada pela Escala de Depressão Geriátrica de 15 itens. Foi efetuada a análise de regressão de Poisson para avaliar associações com as covariáveis. Buscou-se identificar as variáveis mais relevantes para a presença de sintomas depressivos por meio de análise fatorial. RESULTADOS A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi 48,7%. A saúde autorreferida como regular/ruim/muito ruim, as comorbidades, hospitalizações e a falta de amigos na instituição apresentaram associação com a presença de sintomas depressivos. Foram identificados cinco componentes que, em conjunto, explicaram 49,2% da variância da amostra: funcionalidade, apoio social, deficiência sensorial, institucionalização e condições de saúde. Na análise fatorial, os componentes funcionalidade e apoio social foram os que explicaram grande parte da variância observada. CONCLUSÕES Observou-se alta prevalência de sintomas depressivos, com distribuição heterogênea. Esses resultados reforçam o papel das condições de saúde e da funcionalidade para o desenvolvimento de depressão nos idosos institucionalizados e apontam para a importância de oferecer oportunidades de interação entre os residentes nas instituições de longa permanência. .

Prevalência e fatores associados à fragilidade em idosos institucionalizados das regiões Sudeste e Centro-Oeste do Brasil / Prevalence and factors associated to frailty in institutionalized elderly of Southeastern and Middle-Western Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de fragilidade e identificar os fatores associados à fragilidade em indivíduos residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos das regiões Centro-Oeste e Sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional, com 442 idosos institucionalizados de quatro municípios brasileiros. A fragilidade foi avaliada pela versão brasileira do Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). Foram descritas as características da população e estimada a prevalência da fragilidade. Efetuou-se a descrição dos escores total e dos domínios do instrumento. Utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson para explorar as associações observadas, após ajuste para confundimento. RESULTADOS: Grande parte da população era masculina (64,3%), escolarizada (74,1%) e a média de idade era de 75,0 (9,9) anos. A prevalência de fragilidade foi de 52,0%. A média do escore total do TFI foi de 4,9 (2,5) pontos e as médias dos escores dos domínios físico, social e psicológico corresponderam a 2,8 (1,7), 1,3 (0,9) e 0,8 (0,8), respectivamente. Mostraram-se associadas à fragilidade em idosos institucionalizados: idade elevada, analfabetismo, comorbidades e polifarmácia. No modelo multivariado, somente analfabetismo e comorbidades mantiveram sua significância estatística (RP=1,28 IC95% 1,07-1,54 e RP=1,48 IC95% 1,21-1,81). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de fragilidade foi maior do que a observada nos outros dois estudos que avaliaram idosos institucionalizados. As associações identificadas são corroboradas pela literatura científica. O TFI é um instrumento multidimensional baseado em um conceito integral da fragilidade e a versão brasileira se mostrou adequada para avaliar esta condição em idosos institucionalizados. Entretanto, é importante realizar ...

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of frailty and identify the associated factors in residents of homes for the aged of Southeast and Middle West regions of Brazil. METHODS: Sectional study with 442 institutionalized elderly in four Brazilian municipalities. Frailty was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). The characteristics of the study population were described and the prevalence of frailty was estimated. Means of the total score of TFI and of the scores of its domains were verified. Poisson's regression was applied to explore the observed associations, after adjustment for confounding. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly male (64.3%) and schooled (74.1%) and mean age was 75.0 (9.9) years. Prevalence of frailty was 52.0%. The mean of TFI's total score was 4.9 (2.5) points and the means of domains physical, psychological and social were, respectively, 2.8 (1.7), 1.3 (0.9) and 0.8 (0.8). The following variables were associated with frailty in institutionalized elders: advanced age, illiteracy, comorbidity and polipharmacy. In the multivariate model, only the associations with illiteracy and comorbidity maintained statistical significance (PR=1.28 CI95% 1.07-1.54 and PR=1.48 CI95% 1.21-1.81). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty was higher than the observed in two other studies that assessed this condition in institutionalized elders. The identified associations are corroborated by the scientific literature. The TFI is a multidimensional instrument based on an integral concept of frailty and the Brazilian version was adequate to evaluate this condition in institutionalized elders. However, it is important to conduct studies to assess its usefulness in elderly community residents. .

Prevalência e fatores associados à realização de exames de rastreamento para câncer de próstata em idosos de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil / Prevalence and factors associated with conducting screening tests for prostate cancer in the elderly in Juiz de Fora in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Pouco se conhece sobre as práticas de rastreamento para câncer de próstata em idosos brasileiros. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de realização de exames de rastreamento para câncer de próstata em idosos de Juiz de Fora (MG) e analisar os fatores associados. Trata-se de estudo seccional com 2825 homens de 60 anos ou mais que participaram da campanha de vacinação contra gripe de 2006. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas e relativas a condições de saúde e ao uso de serviços de saúde. Utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson na análise multivariada para avaliar associações entre as covariáveis e as variáveis dependentes e estimou-se a prevalência de realização dos exames. A idade média da população foi de 70,0 (± 7,2) anos. A prevalência de realização de toque retal foi 61,0% e a de PSA 75,5%. As variáveis "história familiar de câncer de próstata", "tipo de serviço de saúde", "status conjugal", "uso de medicação regular" e "escolaridade" foram fatores independentes associados à realização de toque retal. As mesmas variáveis, com exceção do "status conjugal", permaneceram no modelo múltiplo para PSA. O estudo evidencia que muitos idosos têm aderido à prática do rastreamento e a necessidade de dimensionar e qualificar esse processo, tendo em vista suas possíveis repercussões na saúde pública.

Little is known about screening practices for prostate cancer in elderly Brazilians. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of screening tests for prostate cancer in the elderly in Juiz de Fora in the state of Minas Gerais and to analyze the associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study with 2825 men aged 60 years or older who participated in the vaccination against influenza campaign in 2006. Social and demographic variables and others related to health conditions and the use of health services were analyzed. Poisson regression multivariate analysis was used to analyze associations between the covariates and the dependent variables and the prevalence of the tests was estimated. The median age was 70.0 (± 7.2) years. The prevalence of performing digital rectal examination was 61.0% and 75.5% for PSA. The "family history of prostate cancer," "type of health service," "marital status," "regular use of medication" and "education" variables were independent factors associated with performing digital rectal examination. The same variables, with the exception of "marital status" remained in the multiple model for PSA. The study showed that many seniors have adopted the practice of screening and the need to measure and describe this process in view of its possible repercussions on public health.

[Prevalence and factors associated with conducting screening tests for prostate cancer in the elderly in Juiz de Fora in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à realização de exames de rastreamento para câncer de próstata em idosos de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil.

Little is known about screening practices for prostate cancer in elderly Brazilians. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of screening tests for prostate cancer in the elderly in Juiz de Fora in the state of Minas Gerais and to analyze the associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study with 2825 men aged 60 years or older who participated in the vaccination against influenza campaign in 2006. Social and demographic variables and others related to health conditions and the use of health services were analyzed. Poisson regression multivariate analysis was used to analyze associations between the covariates and the dependent variables and the prevalence of the tests was estimated. The median age was 70.0 (± 7.2) years. The prevalence of performing digital rectal examination was 61.0% and 75.5% for PSA. The "family history of prostate cancer," "type of health service," "marital status," "regular use of medication" and "education" variables were independent factors associated with performing digital rectal examination. The same variables, with the exception of "marital status" remained in the multiple model for PSA. The study showed that many seniors have adopted the practice of screening and the need to measure and describe this process in view of its possible repercussions on public health.

[First stage of the cross-cultural adaptation of the instrument The Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) to Portuguese]. / Primeira etapa da adaptação transcultural do instrumento The Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) para o Português.

The aim of this study was to describe the initial stages of the cross-cultural adaptation of the instrument The Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) for use in the context of cancer care in Brazil. Two translations into Portuguese and two back-translations into English were carried out independently, and a formal assessment of the general and referential meanings was performed in order to obtain a synthesis version. Understanding of the synthesis version was evaluated in a pretest applied to 33 patients in an oncologic hospital of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The version was easily applied in the intended context and was well-accepted by elders. The Portuguese version of the VES-13 proved to be well understood and adequate for testing its psychometric qualities. The latter step is currently in the final phase.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI).

This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the TFI, an instrument that identifies frailty in elderly individuals. We interviewed 219 individuals aged 60 or older, living in the community. Individuals were predominantly female (52.5%) and mean age was 70.5 (±7.9) years. In order to assess test-retest reliability, 101 individuals were re-interviewed by the same observer within seven to ten days after the first interview. The internal consistency of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. To assess construct validity, we used established alternative measures for the items that constitute the TFI, such as: body mass index (BMI), timed up and go (TUG) test, whisper test, Snellen test, upper extremity strength clinical test and mini-mental state examination (MMSE). The test-retest reliability showed high percent agreement for all the items of the instrument, with values ranging from 63% to 100%. Test-retest reliabilities were good (total TFI score r=0.88; physical domain r=0.88; psychological domain r=0.88; and social domain r=0.67). Internal consistency reliability of the Brazilian version was satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha=0.78). The correlations between TFI items and their corresponding measures were consistent except for one item (related to "ability to deal with problems"), demonstrating both convergent and divergent construct validity of the TFI and its items. After the completion of all stages of transcultural adaptation, the Brazilian version of the TFI proved to be well suited for assessing frailty in the elderly population of Brazil.

Fragilidade em idosos no Brasil: identificação e análise de um instrumento de avaliação para ser utilizado na população do país / Frailty in elderly people in Brazil: identification and analysis of an assessment instrument to be used in the country's population

A fragilidade é uma condição que vem ganhando destaque na literatura mundial sobre o envelhecimento e está associada a elevado risco de desfechos adversos de saúde. Considera-se que seja resultante da diminuição da reserva fisiológica e da capacidade demanutenção da homeostase em indivíduos idosos, tornando-os mais vulneráveis às situações de estresse ambiental. Essa condição é ainda pouco estudada no Brasil e nenhum dos instrumentos de avaliação disponíveis foi validado para a população do país.Esta tese foi elaborada em forma de quatro artigos. No primeiro artigo foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, visando identificar os instrumentos utilizados paraavaliação da fragilidade, caracterizá-los quanto sua constituição e identificar o que melhor se adequava ao contexto sociocultural brasileiro. No segundo artigo, foram descritas as etapas iniciais do processo de adaptação transcultural do Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI),instrumento selecionado na revisão. Constatou-se que o constructo fragilidade adotado no país tinha a mesma concepção das demais culturas onde esta condição tem sidoinvestigada. Identificou-se alta equivalência semântica dos significados referencial e geral dos itens da versão brasileira e, no pré-teste, observou-se elevado percentual de entendimento e boa aceitação do instrumento por parte dos idosos. No artigo 3, avaliouseas propriedades psicométricas desta versão.

Observou-se elevada concordância para todos os itens (63 por cento-100 por cento) e a confiabilidade teste-reteste foi considerada boa (escore total do TFI r=0,88; domínio físico r=0,88; domínio psicológico r=0,67; e domínio socialr=0,89). A consistência interna também se mostrou satisfatória (alpha de Cronbach= 0,78) e, com uma exceção, as relações entre os itens do instrumento e suas medidascorrespondentes foram consistentes, demonstrando validade de constructo convergente e divergente entre o TFI e seus itens. Cumpridas as etapas da adaptação transcultural doinstrumento, considerou-se que a versão brasileira se mostrava adequada para utilização na população idosa do país. Diante destes resultados, no último artigo foi realizado um estudo seccional, no qual o TFI foi utilizado para avaliar 442 indivíduos de 60 anos oumais residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos, em municípios das regiões sudeste e centro-oeste. Neste estudo foi estimada a prevalência de fragilidade e calculadas as médias de cada domínio e a média do escore total do instrumento. Também se utilizou a análise múltipla de regressão de Poisson para explorar as associaçõesobservadas, após ajuste para confundimento. A prevalência de fragilidade foi de 52,0 por cento. Amédia do escore total do TFI= 4,9 (2,5) pontos e as médias dos escores dos domínios físico, social e psicológico foram, respectivamente, 2,8 (1,7), 1,3 (0,9) e 0,8 (0,8). Foram observadas associações entre a fragilidade e a idade, analfabetismo, comorbidades epolifarmácia. No modelo multivariado, somente o analfabetismo (RP=1,28 IC95 por cento 1,07-1,54), as comorbidades (RP=1,48 IC95 por cento 1,21-1,81) e o tabagismo atual (RP=1,26 IC95 por cento 1,03-1,53) mantiveram sua significância estatística.

Considerando que foram avaliados idosos institucionalizados, esperava-se encontrar uma prevalência mais elevada de fragilidade, sendo sugerido que há necessidade de reavaliar o papel dessa condição como variável preditora de institucionalização. As associações identificadas são corroboradas pela literatura científica. Considera-se que um instrumento multidimensional,baseado em um conceito integral da fragilidade é mais completo e sensível para avaliar a condição na população brasileira e acredita-se que seja importante a realização de estudos que avaliem a utilização do TFI em idosos residentes em comunidade, além dasua validade preditiva para desfechos adversos de saúde na população brasileira.

Prevalência de déficit auditivo em idosos referidos a serviço de audiologia em Manaus, Amazonas / Prevalence of hearing impairment in elderly patients referred to the audiology service in Manaus, Amazon

Objetivo: Descrever os achados audiológicos (tipo, configuração audiométrica, grau de perda auditiva) e sua associação com sexo e faixa etária em sujeitos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, atendidos em ambulatório de especialidades de Manaus. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico transversal, descritivo, realizado com o universo de idosos que se submeteram à audiometria no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2010, sendo um total de 574 sujeitos. Para classificação do tipo, grau e configuração da perda auditiva, utilizaram-se os critérios adotados por Santos & Russo; Davis & Silverman e Silman & Silverman, respectivamente. Realizou-se análise estatística através de medidas de tendência central, dispersão e distribuições de frequência. Para verificação de diferenças estatisticamente significativas, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado, com nível de significância de 5% (p≤0,05). Resultados: Observou-se prevalência de 94,4 % (n=542) de perda auditiva, predominantemente do tipo sensorioneural (85,5%; n=491) e grau leve (60%; n=188) no sexo feminino e grau moderado ou maior no sexo masculino (50%; n=130), de configuração descendente (54,2%; n=311) em ambos os sexos. O percentual de normalidade foi baixo, sendo de 261 (3,4%) para os homens e 313 (7,3%) para as mulheres. Conclusão: A prevalência de perda auditiva aumentou com a idade, sendo igual a 100% nos indivíduos de 80 anos ou mais, e os homens apresentaram os piores limiares auditivos. Há necessidade de maior conhecimento sobre a deficiência auditiva no idoso, sendo necessários estudos adicionais de base populacional e multicêntricos com o objetivo de subsidiar políticas públicas.

Objective: To describe the audiological findings (type, audiometric configuration, degree of hearing loss) and its association with gender and age in subjects aged over 60 years, treated at outpatient clinic of specialties of Manaus. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological descriptive study conducted with the universe of elderly who underwent audiometry from January to December 2010, with a total of 574 subjects. To classify the type, degree and configuration of hearing loss, we used the criteria adopted by Santos & Russo, Davis & Silverman and Silman & Silverman, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using measures of central tendency, dispersion and frequency distributions. To check for statistically significant differences, we used the chi-square test, with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The prevalence of 94.4% (n = 542) of hearing loss, sensorineural predominantly (85.5%, n = 491) and mild (60%, n = 188) in females and degree moderate or greater in males (50%, n = 130), downward sloping (54.2%, n = 311) in both sexes. The percentage of normality was low, with 261 (3.4%) for men and 313 (7.3%) for women. Conclusion: The prevalence of hearing loss increased with age, being equal to 100% in individuals 80 years or older, and men have the worst hearing thresholds. There is need for greater awareness about hearing loss in the elderly, needing additional population-based and multicentric studies in order to support public policies.