Functional status decline in elderly individuals
can compromise home life and lead to social isolation. Therefore, we aimed to
determine the influence of income inequality on the limitation of activities
among elderly people in Brazil. The present study included 18,484 individuals
aged 60 years old or more from data of the Health Supplement of the National
Household Sample Survey (PNAD), conducted in 2008. Random effects ordinal
regression was proposed for multilevel analysis of the Global Activity
Limitation Index (GALI), and its association among independent variables on two
levels. With regards to socio-demographic status, the factors most commonly
associated with activity limitation were as follows: 75 years old or more;
female; living with others; living in urban areas; earning less than two
minimum wages and having completed three or less years of study. With regards
to health status: poor or very poor self-perceived health, hospitalization in
the last 12 months, continued use of medication and depression. On a contextual
level, income inequality exerted a major influence on activity limitations in
elderly individuals. Analysis of these results should also consider the
limitations of the data. The rural sample is not complete, because the rural north
was excluded due the logistical complexity required to conduct a survey in this
area. In addition, it was not possible to use any measures of cognitive
disability or mental health. We concluded that the limitations in activities
among elderly individuals are reflected widely in the worsening self-rated
health and condition of depression. Chronic diseases should be associated with
increased activity limitations, especially chronic kidney disease, arthritis, tendinitis
and cancer. The effective preventive and rehabilitation strategies for reducing
the activity limitations in the elderly population should be implemented, considering
the social determinants and the determinants of disability.
Cite this paper
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