Abstract
Objective
to analyze self-perception of health and quality of life associated with contextual factors in non-institutionalized older adults people in a rural municipality in the interior of Brazil.
Method
Cross-sectional population-based study. Individuals aged 60 years or more, not institutionalized, living in a municipality with rural characteristics were included. Sociodemographic variables, self-perceived health and quality of life, level of physical activity and functional performance were used. Data were collected at home with application of interviews and instruments: WHOQOL BREF, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). For the comparison and association analysis, the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test and the Prevalence Ratio (PR) and confidence intervals (CI) were applied.
Results
The study involved 142 older adults, 58.5% female, with a mean age of 72.4 (±8.0) years. Self-perceived health was associated with the practice of physical activity (PR=1.13, CI=1.01-1.27) and with functional performance (PR=1.24, CI=1.03 -1.48). The perception of good/very good health (PR=1.66, CI=1.57-1.76) and quality of life (PR=1.70, CI=1.60-1.79) was associated with positive to the practice of physical activity and functional independence.
Conclusion
The practice of physical activity and maintenance of functional independence significantly contribute to a positive perception of health and quality of life. However, elderly people who are insufficiently active and independent may also have a good perception of health. Interventions in public policies that consider the intrinsic characteristics of each population are recommended, aiming to maintain or improve the perception of health and quality of life of the elderly.
Keywords
Aged; Self perception; Motor Activity; Functional physical performance; Health of elderly; Rural population
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