Limitación Funcional y Factores Asociados en Adultos Mayores de la Zona 6 de Salud en Ecuador

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of functional limitation (FL) and socio-demographic factors, health problems and chronic diseases associated to senior adults population from 6th health zone.METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional research performed from June to December of 2015 at primary care units influence area from 6th health zone of Ecuador. 714 elderly people were included and randomly selected from 33 primary health care units.RESULTS: Average age was 76±8.31 years (min: 65; max: 102 years), 63.8% of them were female. Prevalence of functional limitation in BLA (Basic Life Activities) was 17.65% and 62.61% for IAL (Instrumental Activities of Life). Associated factors with FL in BLA were: age ˃ 75 years, illiteracy, cognitive impairment, depression, social problems and fall hazard. Age ˃ 75 years, illiteracy, cognitive impairment, depression and the risk of falling were found to be associated factors to limitations in IAL.CONCLUSIONS: The functional limitation in elderly adults is associated with aging and depends of several determinants. The knowledge of these factors will contribute for early detection of dependency and to improve health attention coverage and quality