LIMA, M. G.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7544200761092742; LIMA, Mariana Guilherme.
Resumo:
Aging is a global phenomenon that has been much discussed in the last decade and its rapid
process observed in developing countries like Brazil, has not been sufficiently studied to
provide the elements necessary to develop appropriate policies for this population. The
demographic transition brings with it changes in age structure and survival patterns of
citizens. In Brazil and other parts of the world, in parallel with this transition, because of
advances in medicine, there has been an increase in life expectancy and longevity of the
elderly. This combination causes changes in the pattern of morbidity and mortality which can
be measured by simple measures. This study aimed to identify and compare the main causes
of morbidity and mortality among men and women aged 60 or older living in the state of
Paraiba. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study with a quantitative approach, using
secondary data available in DATASUS found on the website of the Ministry of Health,
according to the Information System (SIM / SUS), the Hospital System (SIH / SUS) and
demographic data according to IBGE. Identified the Ischemic Heart Disease, followed by
Cerebrovascular Disease and Diabetes Mellitus, with the highest mortality rates in the elderly.
By comparing the leading causes of mortality between the sexes, men had higher risk for
Cirrhosis and Chronic Liver diseases. Traffic Accidents and Lung Cancer (ratio equal to 5.5, 4
and 2, respectively). The women presented as the main causes of mortality Diabetes Mellitus,
Pneumonia and Intestinal Infections (ratio equal to 1.5, 1.4 and 1.3, respectively). Among the
most prevalent causes of morbidity, there are the Circulatory Diseases, Respiratory Diseases
and Infectious Diseases. When comparing the causes of morbidity among men and women,
the aforementioned diseases were the same above, highlighting the higher incidence in
women, where the Circulatory presented (30% of hospital in men and 28% in women),
Respiratory Diseases (17% in men and 18% in women) and the Infectious and Parasitic
Diseases (11% in men and 15% in women). The results presented here show the main causes
of morbidity and mortality among the elderly, these causes can be reduced with the adoption
of wide promotion, prevention and timely treatment and appropriate for these diseases,
pointing to a growing preoccupation with measures prevention for this age group. It is hoped
that this study may contribute to the adoption of public policies aimed at reducing risks
related to deaths and hospitalizations among the elderly.
