The evaluation of the consequences of health problems is a subject characterized by conceptual and methodological diversity. Different conceptual models have been used for developing methods aimed at evaluating the health of populations. In the context of chronic diseases, the evaluation of physical activity restrictions and limitations based on scales of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living is particularly important. Both the 1998 and 2003 National Household Survey Health Interviews have allowed for an analysis of activity limitation patterns of the Brazilian population aged 14 years and older. In the present study we present different indicators of varying degrees of limitation elaborated using data from the 2003 survey. Preliminary results showed varying patterns of activity limitation according to sex and age. In general, limitations were referred more frequently and to a higher degree among women and the elderly. The concern with information bias is justified by the fact that half of the questions were answered by proxy informants.
Daily activity limitation; Functional disability; Health surveys
