[Hospitalization and risk factors among elderly individuals living in nursing homes].
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of hospital admissions over a one-year period and associated factors through a survey of elderly subjects living in nursing homes in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Hospital admissions were assessed using the question: "From 'month' last year to today, were you admitted to a hospital?" Out of 521 eligible individuals, information was collected for 466 (89.4%). Prevalence of hospital admissions in the previous 12 months was 23.9% (95%CI: 19.9-27.8). Admissions were directly associated with: inability to perform basic activities of daily living, falls, and history of smoking. Single and divorced individuals were less likely to be hospitalized. There was an inverse association between hospitalization and self-rated health. The high prevalence of hospitalization among elderly subjects living in nursing homes is an important indicator for the organization of health services, in order to ensure high-quality services for a population group experiencing a demographic and epidemiological transition.
Del Duca
Giovâni Firpo
GF
Centro de Desportos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil. gfdelduca@gmail.com
Nader
Gisele Alsina
GA
Santos
Iná S
IS
Hallal
Pedro C
PC
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D019352:Censuses; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors