It is estimated that until 2020 the elderly will represent 13% of the total Brazilian population, and there is increasing concern about healthy aging and low rates of cognitive impairment. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in a sample of 1,593 elderly aged 60 years old and more who were living in the community of the city of Bagé, Southern Brazil, in 2008. The Poisson regression model was used for estimating crude and adjusted prevalence ratios; their related 95% confidence intervals and p-values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was of 34% and statistically associated with gender (female), age (older), schooling (less educated), lower economic classes, without retirement, with depression and functional limitation. The high magnitude with increased occurrence among poor and vulnerable groups contributes to the implementation of public policies in order to improve care, prevent diseases and promote the independence and autonomy of the elderly population.

Objetivou-se conhecer o momento vivido e o significado da atenção domiciliar para o paciente oncológico em cuidados paliativos sob o olhar da teoria humanística de Paterson e Zderad. Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, descritivo e exploratório, desenvolvido com cinco pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos na atenção domiciliar.  A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, de maio a agosto de 2013. Para a interpretação das informações foi utilizada a análise temática de conteúdo. Os resultados revelaram que a atenção domiciliar é identificada pelos pacientes como substitutiva a hospitalar, permitindo mais liberdade, conforto, autonomia e fortalecimento do vínculo com a equipe de saúde. Os participantes apontaram como dificuldade a sensação de improdutividade frente à evolução da doença. Conclui-se que as potencialidades deste modelo de atenção vão ao encontro da assistência que visa contemplar os princípios do cuidado paliativo, como o bem-estar e o estar melhor desses pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain affects children of all ages and may lead to emergency or urgency assistance. Considering that children have unique ways of manifesting pain, this study aimed at understanding criteria used by the multiprofessional team to evaluate and control pain in children admitted to a Pediatric Emergency and Urgency Unit. METHODS: This is a qualitative and descriptive study in urgency and emergency unit assisting children from zero to 12 years of age. Research subjects were physicians and nursing team of the unit located in the Southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. Semistructured interviews were carried out and participants were observed. The research had a core question: "Which are the criteria used by the multiprofessional team to evaluate and control pain in children admitted to a pediatric urgency and emergency unit?" RESULTS: Participated in the study two nurses, two pediatricians and three nursing technicians. Experience of respondents with pediatric emergency and urgency has varied from two to 20 years. Two themes have emerged from data analysis: criteria to evaluate pain in children, and; pain management and control in a pediatric unit. CONCLUSION: Results infer that the health team values pain in children, but have to enhance its evaluation and handling.