Autopercepção de saúde em idosos: um estudo comparativo entre participantes e não participantes de grupos de convivência

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate differences in self-perceived health among participants and non-participants in social groups for the elderly in the municipality of Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, and to identify factors associated with this perception. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study involving 181 elderly individuals, 91 of whom were participants in social groups for the elderly (GCPI) and 90 of whom were non-participants. Information was collected on sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education, marital status, income, and income dependents), health conditions (number of self-reported diseases, polypharmacy, and presence of depression), lifestyle (physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking), and anthropometric indicators (BMI and waist circumference). Self-perceived health was assessed using the standard question “How do you rate your health?”. For statistical analysis, Chi- square and Fisher’s exact tests were used, as well as Odds Ratio (OR) calculation, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: The sample consisted predominantly of women with low educational attainment and low monthly income. Elderly participants in the GCPI had more favorable lifestyle and health characteristics compared to non-participants, including greater physical activity (p=0.0001), absence of self-reported depression, and lower alcohol consumption (p=0.0001). They also had significantly lower BMI (p<0.05) and waist circumference (p<0.05). Regarding self-perceived health, a higher prevalence of positive assessments was observed among GCPI participants (p<0.0001). Among these elderly individuals, positive self-perception was associated with fewer diseases (significant OR), lower medication use, and lower waist circumference values. Among non-participants, there was no significant association between self-perceived health and the variables analyzed. These findings suggest that participation in social groups has a positive influence on both subjective perception and objective health indicators. Conclusion: The elderly participants in GCPI, mostly women with low income and low education levels, have better health conditions, a more favorable lifestyle, and a more positive self-perception compared to non-participants.Participation in GCPI was associated with healthier physical, emotional, and social aspects, indicating that these spaces promote social interaction, support, strengthening of autonomy, and practices beneficial to active aging. Thus, GCPI are important strategies for promoting health and improving the quality of life of elderly people.