Associação entre vulnerabilidade, estado nutricional, fragilidade e qualidade de vida em pessoas idosas atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde

Abstract

Population aging has increased the demand for healthcare, especially in Primary Care. Factors such as vulnerability, nutritional status, and frailty influence the quality of life of older adults. This study aimed to assess the association between vulnerability and multidimensional aspects in older adults assisted by Primary Health Care. This is an observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted between June 2023 and March 2024, involving 323 older adults attended by Primary Health Care services in Santa Cruz and Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews using validated instruments to assess sociodemographic, nutritional, cognitive, frailty, and quality of life aspects. The analysis considered categorical and scalar variables to measure the outcomes. Among the 323 older adults evaluated, 45.8% presented vulnerability (VES-13). Frailty (as measured by the EFE) was the main predictor of vulnerability. The study revealed a significant association between vulnerability in older adults in Primary Health Care and factors such as nutritional status, frailty, and quality of life, highlighting functional deficits as the main predictors. The findings reinforce the importance of integrated approaches and support prevention and screening strategies aimed at the comprehensive care of older adults.