Níveis de incapacidade entre homens e mulheres acima de 60 anos na população de Santa Cruz-RN: estudo MDS-Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: The Model Disability Survey (MDS) was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank (WB) to measure disabilities in a standardized manner. This tool is valid for the elderly population, as it helps to understand the difficulties and limitations they face. Objective: To compare disability levels between men and women over 60 years of age in the population of Santa Cruz-RN through the MDS-Brazil population survey. Methods: This is a crosssectional study with a quantitative character. To carry out data collection, the municipality of Santa Cruz was stratified into five census sectors, and concentrated on the main streets of each neighborhood, using random sampling as a collection method in residences, based on skips of eight. This article used modules 1000 (sociodemographic characteristics) and 4000 (functionality) of the MDS, and analyzed the following aspects: “mobility”, “body functions and structures”, and “activity and participation”. Results: 160 elderly individuals, predominantly women, married, brown-skinned and with incomplete elementary education. Higher disability scores were observed for elderly women compared to men, in the three aspects evaluated. Conclusion: It is concluded that there are differences in disability levels between men and women in the elderly population of Santa Cruz-RN, and this result is relevant for the development of possible public health policies.