Fragilidade e fatores associados em pessoas idosas na comunidade: o papel do suporte familiar e social

Abstract

In Brazil, population aging has been increasing due to increased life expectancy and advances in health. This process is unique and influenced by factors such as health, social participation and independence. With increasing longevity, health challenges should focus on chronic and degenerative diseases, as well as associated conditions, including frailty among the elderly. Frailty is characterized by vulnerability resulting from the decline in physiological reserve and homeostatic imbalance, and can result in unfavorable outcomes. Studies indicate the possible association of frailty with family vulnerability and social support. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with frailty in elderly people in the community, highlighting the role of family and social support. This is a cross-sectional and analytical study that is part of a larger approach to assessing matrix support for elderly people in primary care. Data collection was performed by applying the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20) questionnaire, the Brazilian Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Function Assessment Questionnaire (BOMFAQ), and adding questions related to the social and family context that were not included in the instruments used. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed, followed by binary logistic regression analysis, with robust variance, to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios. The stratification of clinical functional vulnerability, according to the IVCF-20, revealed that 143 (21.2%) of the elderly were considered frail. The variables that remained statistically associated with frailty after multiple analysis were: age, sex, access to own income, extra-domiciliary activity, education, habit of performing manual work as a leisure activity, impairment of at least one of the activities of daily living, cognitive impairment, falls in the last year, urinary incontinence, polypharmacy, depression and self-perception of health. The variables of statistical significance, after regression analysis, should be reinforced in the formulation of public health promotion policies. Strategies should be aligned with health systems and the needs of the elderly population, with a focus on social support, reflecting a positive impact on the prevention of frailty syndrome