Abstract

MONTES DE OCA GARCIA, Doris Dalis; JULIA BRAVO, Ana  and  DIAZ MEDINA, Clara. Influence of the grandparents' circle on the evolution of articular diseases. Rev Cubana Enfermer [online]. 2004, vol.20, n.3. ISSN 0864-0319.

A longitudinal and prospective study was conducted in 60 grandparents that had some articular disease from a total of 70 categorized at the family physician's office No. 50 of "Alberto Fernández Oca" Community Polyclinic, in San Luis, Santiago de Cuba. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the grandparents' circle with its program of physical and recreational activities on the elderly's health and, specifically, on the evolution of articular diseases. The age of the group ranged between 65 and 69, with a predominance of females. Osteoarthritis was the most generalized disease. Most of the grandparents were depressed and a few used walking sticks. After their incorporation to the grandparents' circle, the group referred improvement of their health status, mainly of the articular pains and their depressive state. Nursing care was classified as good for all patients. It was concluded that the grandparents' circle played an important role in the recovery of the physical and psychical capacities of the elderly.

Keywords : Primary health care; eldelrly; osteopathy; rehabilitation.