Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and functionality in institutionalized elderly in a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, MG. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, through the collection of personal, sociodemographic data, the Mini-Mental Stade Examination (MMSE) and application of the geriatric depression and WHODAS 2.0 scales, in 50 individuals residing in three Long Term Care Institutions for the Elderly in a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, MG. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics using the IBM SPSS Statistics software. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: The average age was 77.5 years, ranging from 60 to 99 years, in a sample composed mainly of women (74%). Of the 50 participants studied, 98% had some degree of functional disability, with the majority, 36%, having moderate functional disability, and 60% of the elderly had depressive symptoms, 48% of whom were women. Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of depressive symptoms and functional disability in institutionalized elderly people was high, 60% and 98%, respectively. However, it is necessary to highlight that this result indicates the presence of depressive symptoms, and does not refer to the diagnosis of depression. It is noteworthy that the early detection of depressive symptoms is important to prevent the development of depressive symptoms, thus preventing its negative effects on the health and quality of life of these elderly people.