Resumen

MURAKAMI, Luisa  y  SCATTOLIN, Fatima. Evaluation of functional independence and quality of life in institutionalized elderly. Rev Med Hered [online]. 2010, vol.21, n.1, pp.18-26. ISSN 1018-130X.

Objectives: Investigate institutionalized elderly people functional independence and quality of life (QOL) and the relationship between these concepts. Material and Methods: Research was conducted in a elder care facility in the city of Sorocaba (São Paulo, Brasil) between May and August/2008, with a sample of 63 man and women, 60 years old or more and residents for at least three months in this facility. The following survey instruments were used: social demographic and clinical characterization, MMSE, WHOQOL-OLD and FIM. Results: 63.5% were women, had an average age of 79.2 ± 8.7 years, 44.5% were widows, studied for an average of 4 years and 73% were retired. Cardiovascular diseases prevailed (27.98%), followed by osteochondropathies (15.39%). High averages were found for FIM (103±15.3) and WHOQOL-OLD (69.81±14.81) scores, indicating low functional independence and QOL losses. The reliability of the two instruments evaluated by Cronbach’s Alpha were satisfactory (0.70 to 0.94). High magnitude significant correlations were found between FIM (total and subscales) and WHOQOL-OLD (total) and Autonomy and Social Participation facets. Sensory Functioning, Past and Future Activities and Intimacy facets displayed moderate magnitude significant correlations between FIM (total and subscales). There were no significant correlation between FIM (total and subscales) and Death and Die facet. Conclusions: Correlations indicate that functional independence is directly correlated with QOL, suggesting that all actions aimed to promote functional independence may improve institutionalized elderly people QOL. (Rev Med Hered 2010;21:18-26).

Palabras clave : institutionalized elderly people; functional independence; quality of life.

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