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Family functionality: a study of Brazilian institutionalized elderly individuals
Simone Camargo de Oliveira1, Sofia Cristina Iost Pavarini, Fabiana de Souza Orlandi
1Ribeira, Jardim do Trevo, 13040-007, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|September 3, 2013
Summary
Most elderly individuals in long-term care facilities (LTCF) experience family dysfunction. Family APGAR scores were associated with institutionalization length, depressive symptoms, family composition, and cognitive disorders in this Brazilian study.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Family functionality is crucial for elderly well-being, especially in long-term care settings.
- Understanding factors influencing family dynamics in institutionalized older adults is essential for targeted interventions.
- Previous research highlights the impact of social determinants on the health of the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between family functionality and various factors in institutionalized elderly individuals.
- To investigate the relationship between Family APGAR scores and gender, institutionalization length, family composition, depressive symptoms, and cognitive disorders.
- To identify specific variables associated with family dysfunction among older adults in long-term care facilities.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative, cross-sectional study with a descriptive-correlational design.
- Interviews conducted with 107 institutionalized elderly individuals in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Data analyzed using raw and adjusted Logistic Regression.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of elderly individuals exhibited family dysfunction (57% high, 21% moderate).
- Only 22% of participants reported good family functionality.
- Statistical associations were found between Family APGAR scores and length of institutionalization, depressive symptoms, family composition, and cognitive disorders.
Conclusions:
- Family dysfunction is prevalent among institutionalized elderly individuals in this Brazilian setting.
- Interventions addressing family dynamics, depressive symptoms, and cognitive health may improve family functionality for institutionalized older adults.
- The study underscores the importance of considering family context in geriatric care within long-term facilities.
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