Atividade física e sintomas de ansiedade em pessoas idosas acompanhadas na atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil is the country with the highest number of people diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Elderly people are the most affected by the disease, especially those with other types of comorbidities. Evidence in the literature indicates that physical activity can be an ally in the treatment process, both for people with anxiety disorders and for active and healthy ageing. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between regular physical activity and anxiety symptoms in elderly people monitored by primary care residents. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The study included 28 elderly people who participated in physical activity groups, carried out by physical education professionals, residents of primary care allocated to UBS in the city of Caicó-RN. A form was used to collect sociodemographic data, IPAQ-L long version to measure the level of physical activity and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) to check anxiety scores. Results: The study had a predominance of females (n= 28; 100%) with an average age of 70.32 (SD= 8.36). There was no significant negative correlation between the GAI score and total physical activity time. However, there was a negative correlation between the GAI score and the number of hours of sleep per day (r= -0.314; p= 0.104). Final considerations: Regular physical activity has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, as have group activities. However, comparative studies should be carried out at other times and covering a larger population sample.