Prevalence and factors associated with the functional capacity of the elderly within the Family Health Strategy in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This paper aimed to assess the functional capacity level of elderly people of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and its associations. A cross-sectional study with 516 elderly residents living in the FHS surrounding area, in the district of Grande Santos Reis, Montes Claros city, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Two questionnaires were applied: one of socio-demographic characteristics, living conditions and awareness of own economic situation; and the other assessed functional capacity. We performed descriptive (absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation) and analytical (test of association chi-square and binary logistic regression hierarchical) approaches. Of the total, 39.5% were men (70.4±7.1 years) and 60.5% women (69.1±6.9 years); 63.4% with schooling from zero to two years; 85.7% had income up two minimum wages; 73.1% lived with their families; 33.9% presented inadequate functional capacity (38.5% women and 27.0% men). The functional capacity of inadequacy was associated with women, having more than 70 years, income of up to two minimum wages and less schooling time. There is a need to direct attention to the health of the elderly, combining the promotion of research and actions planned and directed to improving the health and quality of life of this group.