Factors associated with the hospitalization of the elderly: a national study

Abstract

Objective :to analyze the factors associated with hospitalization among the Brazilian elderly based on multidimensional methodology. Method: a cross-sectional, quantitative study was performed with data from the National Health Survey (2013) population-based study. The sample was composed of 23,815 individuals over the age of 60 years. Hospitalization was considered the outcome variable and 53 independent variables were included, relating to: sociodemographic characteristics; limitations and illness; difficulties in performing basic and instrumental activities of daily living; use of health services and medical emergencies. Results: it was found that 10% of the elderly were hospitalized in the previous year. This event was related to: a negative self-perception of health (OR = 1.35); stopping performing any of their usual activities due to health reasons (OR = 2.14); difficulty going to the doctor (OR = 1.65) or walking alone (OR = 1.55); a recent search for a site, service or health professional for health-related care (OR = 1.47); increased frequency of annual medical visits (OR = 2.93) and household emergency (OR = 5.40). Conclusion: the results reinforce the fact that multiple factors are associated with the hospitalization of the elderly. The analysis of these associations has the potential to make health professionals and administrators aware of the need to improve health care for the elderly and to assist in the organization and planning of the actions of the entire health service network.

Fatores associados à condição de acamado em idosos brasileiros: resultado da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013

“…It was also found that illiterate old people were more likely to be bedridden, in relation to the literate. Studies are consistent with the findings of previous studies 17,18 and demonstrate that individuals with a low level of education are more likely to have diseases and disabilities, due to limited access to health information. Illiteracy has a cumulative burden, as it reflects, throughout life, less self-care and self-perception about their health status and understanding about diseases, thus inferring less search for health services, late diagnoses timely treatment, increasing the aggravation of diseases and resulting in more serious limitations, such as bedridden condition 19 .…”

“…The quality of life of the old person can be hindered with the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such diseases can be responsible for what is defined as functional disability of the old person, that is, affecting the functionality and independence of these individuals, in temporary or permanent form 20 , as observed in the present study. In addition, the greater the number of chronic diseases, the greater the chance of disability of this individual, since NCDs can trigger other complications and, consequently, the need to seek medical attention, hospitalizations, reduced functional capacity and mortality is increased 18,21,22 .…”

Perfil Epidemiológico De Pacientes Idosos Atendidos Em Um Pronto-Socorro

“…[3][4][5] The main negative impact of population aging is the increase in the prevalence of chronicdegenerative diseases, which are the main causes of mortality and disability worldwide, which increases the risk for hospitalization. [6][7] It is warned that another problem that has grown in the elderly population is external causes, characterized by accidents and violence and that should be the object of concern among health professionals. It is added that the increase in external causes in Brazil has had an impact on the organization of the health system due to the increase in spending on hospitalizations, treatments and overcrowding of emergency services.…”

Factors associated with the frequency of medical consultations by older adults: a national study

“…had a higher number of medical appointments (OR = 2.45) when compared to those who did not demand the use of such a service. Older people are more susceptible to hospitalization episodes, regardless of the associated conditions (27) , cases which usually require care and hospital stay are considered more severe, and require additional care (21) . In addition, the hospitalization period may culminate in the deterioration of the functional condition of older adults, resulting in greater dependence on returning to the family nucleus, and consequently greater follow-up with health professionals (28)(29) .…”