[Elderly, poor, solitary and marginal patients: geriatric vulnerability in emergency services].
BACKGROUND
Status is a powerful determinant of health, and it may influence on the demand of Hospital emergency services. The aim of our investigation is to assess whether elderly patients usually wandering emergency services gather more negative socioeconomic conditions.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study on 800 randomised patients cared in emergency services was carried out. A questionnaire about economic, educational and professional levels, domestic violence, loneliness and life style was applied. A crude analysis was used to assess the age-factor (>/= 65 y.o.) by BMDP (PC 90). The trial was approved by the local Bioethics board.


RESULTS
Low incomes, low educational level and loneliness were clinic and statistically related with age (65 and more). Data is offered as n (%), X2 and p < 0.0001 (Fisher exact Test two sided p value).


CONCLUSIONS
Elderly patients frequently demanding hospital emergency services gather more vulnerability conditions, not merely medical. Low incomes, low educational level and loneliness are probably working as key factors on the geriatric demand of emergency services.
Marín Gámez
N
N
Servicio Medicina Interna, Hospital Cruz Roja, Universidad de Cantabria.
Kessel Sardiñas
H
H
López Martínez
G
G
Barnosi Marín
A
A
Montoya Vergel
J
J
Navarro Corral
A
A
Delgado Rodríguez
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D011203:Poverty; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires