Author(s): Santiago,Lívia Maria ; Luz,Laércio Lima ; Silva,João Francisco Santos da ; Oliveira,Paulo Henrique de ; Carmo,Cleber Nascimento do ; Mattos,Inês Echenique
Date: 2016
Origin: Oasisbr
Subject(s): health of the elderly, homes for the aged, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE: In this descriptive epidemiological study, we sought to trace the profile of socio-demographic and health conditions of elders residing in long-term institutions in cities in the Southeast and Midwest regions of Brazil.
METHODS: We used descriptive statistical methods to characterize and compare the profile of the elders in each city and the statistical significance of the observed differences was tested by the χ2 test, considering p < 0.05.
RESULTS: In total, 760 individuals were interviewed, of whom more than half were men (52.6%) and almost 40.0% were 80 years or older. The majority presented dependence in instrumental activities of daily living (81.2%) and cognitive impairment (73.3%). The major part of socio-demographic and health characteristics of these individuals differed among the suited cities.
CONCLUSION: This heterogeneity may be related to the different socio-cultural contexts of each city that, in a sense, influence the health conditions and the reasons leading to the institutionalization of elders in Brazil.
