[Factors associated with pulmonary disease among the elderly].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of reported pulmonary disease among elderly subjects, according to sociodemographic and economic characteristics, lifestyle, physical mobility, and health status.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional population-based study that included 1,957 elderly subjects (aged 60 and over). Information was collected by means of interviews. Subjects were selected using a two-stage probabilistic, stratified, cluster sampling strategy in six municipalities in the State of São Paulo between 2001 and 2002. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared association tests, prevalence ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were utilized. Adjusted analysis was carried out by Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Among the interviewees, around 7% reported pulmonary disease. There was no association between pulmonary disease and influenza vaccination. Adjusted analysis identified the following factors that were independently associated with reported disease: smoking (PR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.39-2.97); medication use (PR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.11-3.79); health status self-assessed as poor or very poor (PR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.20-2.96); and depression, anxiety, or emotional problems (PR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.11-3.10).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the present study reinforce the importance of respiratory diseases among the elderly, particularly in more vulnerable groups. Preventive measures and specific care for such groups are therefore justified.