Dependencia funcional en el adulto mayor de la Parroquia Guasuntos, Cantón Alausí

Functional dependence refers to an individual's inability to independently perform basic activities of daily living, requiring assistance from a caregiver, third parties, or external aids such as wheelchairs or walking sticks for tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and mobility. Therefore, functional assessment using standardized tools like the Barthel Index is essential in geriatric care. This study aimed to determine the level of functional dependence in older adults residing in the Guasuntos parish during the period from July to December 2024. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 63 older adults living in the Guasuntos parish, Alausí canton, Chimborazo province. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Barthel Index were applied to assess functional dependence. Of the participants, 55% were male and 45% female; 97% identified as Catholic, 86% as mestizo, 56% reported no formal education, and 57% were married. Hypertension was the most prevalent chronic condition, affecting 44% of the population. Regarding functional capacity, 35% showed moderate dependence, while 25% were functionally independent. The study concludes that the Barthel Index is a reliable tool for assessing functional dependence in older adults, with variables such as age, gender, chronic conditions, marital status, and education level being closely associated with functional outcomes.