[Prevalence of mental disorders in an urban area in Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
To detect the prevalence of mental disorders among the elderly residents of an urban area.


METHODS
A sample of 327 elderly residents (60 years and older) of the city of Montes Claros, in northern Minas Gerais, was selected by means of probabilistic sampling, in multiple strata, within a homogeneous stratum. The sample unit was the home. Mental disorders were determined by means of the Short Psychiatric Evaluation Schedule (SPES). Univariate analysis was done via the chi-squared test and multivariate analysis via logistical regression.


RESULTS
The estimated prevalence of mental disorders was 29.3%. Their presence was associated with female sex, number of illnesses, functional capacity and place of residence (shantytown/non-shantytown).


CONCLUSIONS
Comparing the results with other community studies, the prevalence of mental disorders among the elderly in the urban area of Montes Claros was high and was associated with multiple illnesses, incapacity and poverty. This reality is a matter for concern because of its impact on quality of life relating to this population's health, and on healthcare services over the next few decades.
Maia
Luciana Colares
LC
Departamento de Fisiopatologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil. cols@uai.com.br
Durante
Ariane M G
AM
Ramos
Luiz Roberto
LR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population