[Factors associated to functional limitations in elderly of low income]

To analyze the relationship of the partner-demographic and relevant aspects to the conditions of health, with the functional limitations in elderly women of low income in the Brazilian Northeast.

This cross-sectional study involved a representative sample of 208 women with mean age of 70 years (+/- 7.1), belonging to coexistence groups and that were resident in the urban zone of the municipal district of Jequié / Bahia. A battery of physical tests was conducted, anthropometric measurements were collected and an interview was made concerning subjects related to partner-demographic variables, clinical conditions and apparent health, physical conditions and behavior. The statistical analysis was carried out with a level of significance of p<0.05. Calculation was made of the respective odds ratio by regression binary logistics for analysis of hierarchically clustered factors.

Prevalence of functional limitations of the moderate or serious type was 56%. After hierarchical multivariate analysis, significant association was verified with the older age group of 80 years (p=0.02) , conditions of widowhood (p=0.04), presence of arterial hypertension (p=0.001), and physical inactivity at leisure (p=0.03).

The characteristics identified, associated to functional limitations suggest a complex causal network in the determination of the functional condition of elderly women. However, actions addressed to incentivate practice of physical activities at leisure can contribute to the quality of life of these women.