scholarly journals Is cognitive decline in the elderly associated with contextual income? Results of a population-based study in southern Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Lúcia Danielewicz ◽  
Katia Jakovljevic Pudla Wagner ◽  
Eleonora d'Orsi ◽  
Antonio Fernando Boing

Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the association between contextual income and cognitive decline in the elderly in Florianópolis, a medium-sized city in southern Brazil. A nested cross-sectional study was performed in a cohort of elderly ≥ 60 years (n = 1,197), interviewed in the second wave (2013/2014) of the EpiFloripa cohort. Cognitive decline was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and contextual income was measured as the mean monthly income of the heads of households. Individual adjustment variables were sex, age, skin color, per capita household income, years of schooling, and time living in the neighborhood. The data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression. The odds of cognitive decline were twice as high (OR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.03; 3.87) in elderly living in census tracts with the lowest income quintile compared to those in the highest quintile, independently of individual characteristics. In conclusion, the socioeconomic environment is related to cognitive decline and should be considered in public policies with a focus on health of the elderly.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041755
Author(s):  
Srinivas Marmamula ◽  
Satya Brahmanandam Modepalli ◽  
Thirupathi Reddy Kumbham ◽  
Rajesh Challa ◽  
Jill E Keeffe

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of disabilities (vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive, self-care and communication) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly population in two districts in Telangana, India.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study using a cluster random sampling method to select the study clusters.SettingElderly population in Khammam and Warangal districts were recruited. Detailed interviews were conducted by trained community health workers. Personal and demographic information such as age, gender, level of education and a self-report of NCDs was collected. The Washington Disability Questionnaire was administered to assess the presence of disabilities.Participants1821 participants aged ≥60 years, 54.5% were women, and 73.3% had no education.Primary outcome measurePrevalence of disabilities and NCDs.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of at least disability was 20.3% (95% CI 16.3 to 24.9). The prevalence of self- reported disabilities were: seeing (5.9%; 95% CI 4.4 to 7.8), mobility (12.8%; 95% CI 9.7 to 16.8), hearing (3.6%; 95% CI 2.7 to 4.8), cognition (4.8%; 95% CI 3.5 to 6.7), self-care (3.3%; 95% CI 2.3 to 4.7) and communication (1.8%; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6). Overall, the prevalence of at least one NCD was 34.2% (95% CI 30.9 to 37.7). Hypertension was the most common systemic condition (25.4%; 95% CI 22.4 to 28.7), followed by diabetes (9.0%; 95% CI 7.3 to 11.0), and body pains (muscle-skeletal) (9.9%; 95% CI 8.1 to 12.2).ConclusionEvery fifth elderly person in the districts of Khammam and Warangal in Telangana had at least one self-reported disability. Besides, a third of the elderly had at least one NCD. There is a definite need to develop comprehensive public health strategies to address disabilities and NCDs in Telangana.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e048554
Author(s):  
Hanyu Wang ◽  
Eric Frasco ◽  
Jie Shang ◽  
Minne Chen ◽  
Tong Xin ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the association between maternal depression and the loss of the only child under the family-planning (FP) policy.DesignCross-sectional data from a Chinese population-based study were analysed.SettingPopulation from 10 (5 rural and 5 urban) areas in China.ParticipantsAround 300 000 females were included in the study. The FP group was defined as women with one or two live births. Those with no surviving child were classified into the loss-of-only-child group. The non-FP group included women who had more than two live births. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and family types, after stratification and adjustment.OutcomeMDD was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Inventory.ResultsThe odds of MDD are 1.42 times higher in the FP group in general (OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.57), as opposed to the non-FP group. In particular, the odds of MDD are 1.36 times greater in the non-loss-of-only-child group (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.51) and 2.80 (OR=2.80, 95% CI: 0.88 to 8.94) times greater in the loss-of-only-child group, compared with the non-FP group. The associations between FP groups and MDD appeared to be stronger in the elderly population, in those who were married, less educated and those with a higher household income. The association was found progressively stronger in those who lost their only child.ConclusionsPeople in the FP group, especially those who lost their only child, are more susceptible to MDD than their counterparts in the non-FP group. Mental health programmes should give special care to those who lost their only child and take existing social policies and norms, such as FP policies, into consideration.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 705-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iara Guimarães Rodrigues ◽  
Gustavo Pereira Fraga ◽  
Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with the occurrence of falls among elderly adults in a population-based study (ISACamp 2008). Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with two-stage cluster sampling. The sample was composed of 1,520 elderly adults living in the urban area of the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. The occurrence of falls was analyzed based on reports of the main accident occurred in the previous 12 months. Data on socioeconomic/demographic factors and adverse health conditions were tested for possible associations with the outcome. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated and adjusted for gender and age using the Poisson multiple regression analysis. Results: Falls were more frequent, after adjustment for gender and age, among female elderly participants (PR = 2.39; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.47 - 3.87), elderly adults (80 years old and older) (PR = 2.50; 95%CI 1.61 - 3.88), widowed (PR = 1.74; 95%CI 1.04 - 2.89) and among elderly adults who had rheumatism/arthritis/arthrosis (PR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.00 - 2.48), osteoporosis (PR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.18 - 2.49), asthma/bronchitis/emphysema (PR = 1,73; 95%CI 1.09 - 2.74), headache (PR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.07 - 2.38), mental common disorder (PR = 1.72; 95%CI 1.12 - 2.64), dizziness (PR = 2.82; 95%CI 1.98 - 4.02), insomnia (PR = 1.75; 95%CI 1.16 - 2.65), use of multiple medications (five or more) (PR = 2.50; 95%CI 1.12 - 5.56) and use of cane/walker (PR = 2.16; 95%CI 1.19 - 3,93). Conclusion: The present study shows segments of the elderly population who are more prone to falls through the identification of factors associated with this outcome. The findings can contribute to the planning of public health policies and programs addressed to the prevention of falls.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e017966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Elizete A Araujo ◽  
Marcus T Silva ◽  
Tais F Galvao ◽  
Mauricio G Pereira

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of healthcare use and associated factors in the Manaus metropolitan region and to describe the reasons for lack of access.DesignCross-sectional population-based study.SettingA survey conducted between May and August of 2015 in eight cities from Manaus metropolitan region, Amazonas, Brazil.Participants4001 adults ≥18 years of age.Primary outcomes measuresPhysician visits, dentist visits and hospitalisations in the last 12 months were the primary outcomes. Associated factors were investigated through the calculation of prevalence ratio (PR) obtained by hierarchical Poisson regression modelling.Results4001 adults were included in the study, 53% of whom were women. The self-reported prevalence of medical visits was 77% (95% CI 75% to 77%); dentist visits, 36% (95% CI 34% to 37%) and hospital admission, 7% (95% CI 6% to 7%). Physician visits were higher in women PR=1.18 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.23), the elderly PR=1.18 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.26) and people with health insurance PR=1.14 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.19). Dentist visits declined with older age PR=0.38 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.49), lower education level PR=0.62 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.74) and lower economic class PR=0.65 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.75). Hospitalisations were found to be twice as frequent for women than for men and three times as frequent among those who reported very poor health status. Among the individuals who did not receive medical attention in the previous 2 weeks, 58% reported lack of facilities or appointment unavailable and 14% reported lack of doctors.ConclusionWhile more than half visited the doctor in the last year, a lower proportion of people with socioeconomic inequities visited the dentist. Organisational and service policies are needed to increase equity in health services in the region.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 392-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andréa Mathes Faustino ◽  
Lenora Gandolfi ◽  
Leides Barroso de Azevedo Moura

Objective To verify whether there is a connection between the functional capacity of the elderly and the presence of violent situations in their daily lives. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study developed with 237 elderly individuals. Standard and validated research instruments were used. Results Mean age of 70.25 years (standard deviation of 6.94), 69% were female, 76% were independent in basic activities of daily living and 54% had a partial dependence on at least one instrumental activity. The most prevalent violence was psychological and the relation between being dependent on basic activities of daily living and suffering physical violence was statistically significant. Conclusion When the elderly needs assistance to perform self-care activities, there is a greater chance of exposure to a situation of abuse, such as physical violence.


Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 327
Author(s):  
Silvia Portero de la Cruz ◽  
Jesús Cebrino

Influenza is a significant public health problem and the elderly are at a greater risk of contracting the disease. The vaccination coverage of the elderly is below the Spanish target of 65% for each influenza season. The aims of this study were to report the coverage of influenza vaccination in Spain among the population aged ≥65 years and high-risk groups for suffering chronic diseases, to analyze the time trends from 2006 to 2017 and to identify the factors which affect vaccination coverage. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted including 20,753 non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥65 years who had participated in the Spanish National Health Surveys in 2006, 2011/2012, and 2017. Sociodemographic, health-related variables, and influenza vaccination data were used. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination coverage was 60%. By chronic condition, older people with high cholesterol levels and cancer had the lowest vaccination coverage (62.41% and 60.73%, respectively). This coverage declined from 2006 to 2017 in both groups. Higher influenza vaccination was associated with males, Spanish nationality, normal social support perceived, polypharmacy, worse perceived health, participation in other preventive measures, and increasing age and the number of chronic diseases.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 25246
Author(s):  
Felipe Zancan Espanhol ◽  
Rita de Cássia S. M. De Oliveira ◽  
Gustavo Paes Silvano ◽  
André Luciano Manoel ◽  
Laise Rodrigues Silveira ◽  
...  

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and associated factors in the elderly population of a municipality in southern Brazil.Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study, carried out with the elderly (≥60 years) living in the city of Tubarão, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, from September 2010 to May 2011. Participants were selected by simple random sampling. The elderly were registered by the Community Health Agents of the Family's Health Strategy Program. Sociodemographic data (age, gender, skin color, marital status, employment status and education), behavioral data (physical activity, alcohol use and smoking) and clinical data (obesity, drug use and family history of diabetes) were recorded. After answering these questions the participants were scheduled to attend the clinic for blood collection and anthropometric measurements. The prevalence of hyperglycemia was assessed from fasting blood glucose tests, and individuals with values ≥126 mg/dL or use of hypoglycemic drugs were considered hyperglycemic. To assess the association between the variables of interest, the chi-square test was applied. The pre-determined confidence interval was of 95% and the error α of 5%.Results: Eight hundred thirty-three elderly patients were included, and 220 were considered hyperglycemic according to the methodology criteria (prevalence of 26.4%). Of the patients included in the hyperglycemia group, 190 were using oral hypoglycemic drugs, and of these, 112 had also fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, while in 78 fasting glucose was <126 mg/dL. Also in the hyperglycemia group, 30 patients had fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL and were not on hypoglycemic treatment. Having parents diagnosed with diabetes and being obese were associated with the presence of hyperglycemia.Conclusions: This study suggests that a large portion of the elderly population have fasting hyperglycemia, requiring a wider evaluation for diabetes mellitus.


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