OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sociodemographic factors, health status, functional capacity and family dynamics on the quality of life of dependent elderly individuals living at home in a city in the hinterland of Northeast Brazil. METHODS: This is an analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The sample was composed of 117 dependent elderly individuals, enrolled in the Family Health Units in the district of Jequiezinho in the city of Jequié, located in the hinterland of Bahia state. The data collection instruments used were the Family Apgar, WHOQOL-OLD, Barthel's Index as well as socioeconomic and health status data. RESULTS: The chi-square (x²) test showed a statistical difference between compromised quality of life and family dynamics, with the exception of the autonomy domain (p = 0.061) of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: It is evident that only compromised family dynamics has a negative influence on the quality of life of the functionally dependent elderly, given that the more compromised the family functionality, the worse the quality of life of these individuals.
Dependent elderly; health status; domicile; social and demography data; family and quality of life
