Functional disability in Brazilian octogenarians: data from the 2013 National Health Survey
Abstract Background The impairment of function capacity implies a greater risk of biological and social vulnerability, increasing the demand for healthcare services and caregivers. Objective Estimate the prevalence of functional disability in the performance of basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) among long-lived Brazilians (≥80 years) according to sociodemographic characteristics and self-rated health. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from seniors who participated in the 2013 National Health Survey (n = 1498). Functional disability was defined as difficulty performing at least one of the six BADL or five IADL. Independent associations were determined using Poisson multiple regression analysis, with the calculation of prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for chronic diseases. Results Mean age was 84.8 years (CI95%: 84.5-85.1); 59% were women; 62% were self-declared white; and 63% had no private health insurance. The prevalence of functional disability in BADL and IADL was 33.8% (CI95%: 30.6-37.2) and 66.4% (CI95%: 62.5-70.2), respectively. Only 17.7% participated in organized social activities and only 15.5% rated their health as poor/very poor. Regarding BADL, greater disability was found among those ≥85 years of age, among men and those who rated their health as poor (p < 0.05). Regarding IADL, greater disability was found among those ≥85 years of age, those without a conjugal life, illiterate individuals and those who rated their health as poor (p < 0.05). Conclusions Approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of long-lived Brazilian exhibited restricted skills for maintaining their autonomy and independence regarding the performance of BADL and IADL, respectively. The present findings underscore the importance of family and social support networks to assist older adults in the performance of basic and instrumental activities of daily living as well as activities related to mobility. Key messages The impairment of function capacity increases the demand for healthcare services and caregivers. Approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of long-lived Brazilians have functional disability regarding the performance of basic and instrumental activities of daily living, respectively.