Functional Capacity Among Brazilian Older Adults 12 Months After COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 survivors, particularly older adults, face increased risks of functional dependence.
• Understanding long-term functional outcomes is crucial for geriatric care and rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of functional dependence among Brazilian older adults 12 months after COVID-19 infection.
• To identify factors associated with functional dependence in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study in Paraná, Brazil, involving adults aged 60+.
• Data collected via telephone questionnaires 12 months post-COVID-19, assessing sociodemographics and functional status using the Measure of Functional Independence (FIM).
• Functional dependence defined as FIM Total score < 104.

Main Results:

• 768 older adults participated; 7.2% exhibited functional dependence 12 months post-COVID-19.
• A significant decline in FIM scores was observed one year after infection compared to the acute phase.
• Factors associated with higher functional dependence included female sex, work status changes, self-reported poor health, cardiovascular symptoms, and severe COVID-19 (ICU treatment).

Conclusions:

• The majority of older adults achieved functional independence 12 months after COVID-19.
• Functional dependence is influenced by a complex interplay of physical health, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors.