Sociodemographic profile and health condition of elderly patients attended at a community primary health center

Background/PurposeThe world has gradually been turning eyes to the elderly population due to the increased life expectancy. This study aimed to trace the sociodemographic profile and to analyze health conditions among elderly individuals.MethodsA transversal retrospective study was performed. Data were obtained using an administered questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical features, diseases reported by the studied population, daily activities, and laboratory test results gathered from patients' medical records.ResultsIn this study, 66.2% of the total patients were female; 74% had 4 years of primary education with a family income of up to three Brazilian minimum wages; 64.6% were retired; 27.8% had one or more morbidities. As much as 33.4% of the patients showed no difficulty in performing daily activities.ConclusionUnderstanding the profile of the senior population is of utmost importance so that public health programs may be carried out to meet the needs of these individuals.