Necessidades em saúde, de acesso e capacidade funcional de pessoas idosas na atenção primária: implicações para o cuidado no território

Abstract

Population aging represents one of the major challenges for contemporary health systems, particularly within the context of Primary Health Care (PHC), which plays a strategic role in identifying health needs and promoting the functional capacity of older adults. In the municipality of São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil, the growing number of older adults highlights the need for evidence to support healthcare planning and strengthen the organization of health services. This study aimed to analyze the health needs, access to health services, and functional capacity of community-dwelling older adults and to propose strategies for qualified care within Primary Health Care in the municipality of São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach conducted among older adults (≥60 years) registered with Family Health Strategy teams. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers, including sociodemographic, economic, health-related, lifestyle, digital inclusion, and healthcare access variables. Functional capacity was assessed using the Katz Index for Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and the Lawton and Brody Scale for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). A total of 61 older adults participated in the study, predominantly women (75.41%), aged between 60 and 69 years (59.02%), with low educational attainment (67.21%), family income ranging from one to two minimum wages (81.97%), and a high prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (63.93%), diabetes mellitus (45.90%), and dyslipidemia (44.26%). Regarding the pharmacotherapeutic profile, 93.44% of participants reported using one to four medications, while 6.56% reported not using any medication. Difficulties related to digital inclusion (37.70%), food insecurity (18.03%), and limited timely access to health services were also identified, with only 45.90% of participants being attended on the same day when needed. Independence in Basic Activities of Daily Living was observed in 98.4% of participants, whereas 39.3% showed partial dependence in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, indicating early signs of functional vulnerability. As the Technical-Technological Product, an educational booklet was developed to promote self care, functional capacity, and healthy aging among older adults, family members, caregivers, and Primary Health Care professionals. It is expected that the findings will contribute to healthcare planning for older adults in the municipality by supporting continuing education initiatives, improving the quality of care, and strengthening Primary Health Care as the coordinator of the healthcare network, promoting health and dignified aging. This Master’s Dissertation was developed within the Professional Master’s Program in Family Health (PROFSAÚDE).