title: [Profile of the elderly population in two poor municipalities in North and Northeast Brazil: the results of a cross-sectional population-based survey].
abstract: This study aimed to determine the profile of the elderly population (>or= 60 years) in two poor municipalities in North and Northeast Brazil in 2005. Using a cross-sectional survey with a systematic sample, previously trained interviewers applied a standard household questionnaire on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, household conditions, physical activity, immunization status, health problems, and expenditures on medicines. Of the total sample (n = 1,013), 528 lived in Caracol, Piauí State, and 478 in Garrafão do Norte, Pará State. 56% were 60-69 years old, 10% lived alone, 69% were illiterate, 8% had a family income less than the minimum wage, 24% of the households had a flush toilet, 60% had a radio, television, and refrigerator, 88% reported at least one chronic disease, 47% had to purchase all their medicines out-of-pocket, 84% had received influenza vaccination, and 90% were able to perform normal activities of daily living. Elderly people included in this study showed poor household conditions, inadequate access to health care, and high levels of morbidity.
authors: Departamento Materno-Infantil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil. jacesar@terra.com.br
authors: Juraci A
authors: JA
authors: Cesar
authors: Joel A
authors: JA
authors: Oliveira-Filho
authors: Grasiele
authors: G
authors: Bess
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Cegielka
authors: Joel
authors: J
authors: Machado
authors: Tatiane S
authors: TS
authors: Gonçalves
authors: Nelson A
authors: NA
authors: Neumann
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012424:Rural Population; D012924:Social Conditions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data