Features socio-demographic, conditions of health and the use of the health system for elderly

Abstract

This research objectives identify the socio-demographic characteristics and health and use of the service health of elderly residents in the village of the municipality in the interior of Minas Gerais and compare these variables between the three districts health. Inquiry home, transverse and observational, conducted between 2005 and 2006 in a municipality in the interior of Minas Gerais. Participating 2,924 elderly, interviewed at home, selected by stratified sampling technique. The data were entered in EpiInfo 3.2. By conducting themselves descriptive analysis, tests ?2 and Fisher's exact (p <0.05). The percentage of elderly people in the three districts health was: 33.5% for the DSI; 35.7% for the DSII and 30.8% for the DSIII. Majority females (64%); age of 60 | - 70 years (52.7%) live with spouse or companions (47%). The elderly residents in the DSI when compared to the DSII and DSIII present major challenges in attention to their health, however, are more satisfied with the care and hospitalization.

Key words: Aged; Health services; Health planning; Health services for the aged ; Health services needs and demand; Diagnosis of health situation.