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Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Age group analysis of psychological, physical and functional deterioration in patients hospitalized for pneumonia
Adelina Martín-Salvador1, Irene Torres-Sánchez1, Germán Sáez-Roca2
1Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, España.
Introduction:
Hospital admissions due to pneumonia range from 1.1 to 4 per 1,000 patients and this figure increases with age. Hospitalization causes a decline in functional status. Physical impairment impedes recovery and constitutes a higher risk of disability and mortality in elderly people. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of hospital stay in patients with pneumonia related with age.
Method:
A total of 116 patients with pneumonia were included in this study, and divided into two age groups:<75 years (n=68) and ≥ 75 years (n=48). Respiratory function, physical function and psychological and emotional profile were evaluated. Pneumonia severity, nutritional status, independence and comorbidities were also assessed.
Results:
Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between both age groups in pneumonia severity and comorbidities. Significant improvements between admission and discharge were found in lung function in both groups (p<0.05), while a significant decrease (p<0.05) in strength assessed by dynamometer was found in the ≥75 years group.
Conclusion:
Hospitalization leads to a significant physical impairment in patients admitted for pneumonia. This deterioration increases with age.
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