Resumen

Background: Aging population presents a decreased function of the immune system related to age known as immunosenescence; therefore, elderly population is associated to an increased susceptibility to infections such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective strategies because they offer a cheap alternative of preventing potential morbidity. Geriatrics syndromes like disability could be related to an increased morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of vaccination schemes (VS) and its associations between physical disabilities (PDs) in elderly ambulatory patients from a first level health-care center. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study including 264 participants aged 60 or older recruited from a first level health-care center in 2015. Participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, with which the diagnosis of PD, and VS were obtained. Regression analysis variables were determined to establish the association between the VS and PD. Results: Mean age was 73 years (SD ±6), women accounted for 60%. The 36% reported current seasonal influenza vaccine, 35% for pneumococcus vaccine, and 17% the presence of both vaccines. The presence of an updated VS against pneumococcus and influenza showed a positive association for some physical functions (To being able to extend arms at shoulder level: OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.28-6.15, p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the frequency of the current VS is low in Mexican elders and that vaccinated elderly has a lower risk of PD. These results suggest the importance of monitoring VS, as they seem to have an impact on health status of the elderly, per the promotion of successful aging.

Palabras clave: Disability Influenza pneumococcal vaccination elderly

2019-01-17   |   464 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 4 Núm.2. Julio-Diciembre 2018 Pags. 50-55 J Lat Am Geriatric Med 2018; 4(2)