Author:

• Elysama Fernandes Alves - Alves, Elysama Fernandes - Fisioterapia da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina – UFSC - <elysama_alvess@hotmail.com>

Co-author(s):

• Poliana Penasso Bezerra - Bezerra, Poliana Penasso - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) - <poliana.bezerra@ufsc.br>

Thematic Area:

Saúde do Idoso

Abstract:

Due to the high prevalence of the use of the wheelchair in institutionalized aged, it is aimed to check whether gender factors, age, time of admission, comorbidities, cognition and function are associated with the use of this device, as well as ascertain the reasons that can lead to this use according to the perception of the aged. Cross-sectional descriptive study included 55 aged subdivided into G1 (locomotion without aid) and G2 (wheelchair users). Profile analysis through records, cognition and functionality by the Mini-Mental State Examination and Barthel index. Wheel Chair asked about the factors that lead to the use of the wheelchair, reasons were recorded. 33 (60.0%) aged in G1 and 22 (40.0%) in G2. There were differences between the groups with respect to functionality (p = 0.005). The aged that has no stroke is less likely to use a wheelchair (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.36). Aged wheelchair users reported: fear of falling, pain, tiredness, weakness in the legs, difficulty walking and lack of assistance in ambulation. Stroke and functionality are associated with the use of the wheelchair. Knowledge of these factors and the reasons reported by the aged may allow prevention alternatives are drawn.

Keywords:

WheelchairsHomes For The AgedAging

Content:

Access Issue in Scielo

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