Prevalence and Concomitants of Arthritis in the Elderly in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

摘要: Objectives Information on the prevalence and concomitants of arthritis in developing countries is sparse. It unclear whether they are comparable to findings developed countries. To ascertain prevalence, demographic characteristics, health-related older persons southern state Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, a middle income country. Methods The was subdivided into nine regions. Stratified random sampling used identify 880 community residents age ≥60 years each region. One region with suspect data excluded. Of 7040 contacted eight regions, 6963 participated (1.1% refusal rate). In 1995, trained, monitored interviewers, using structured questionnaires, conducted in-home interviews gathering information characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, living arrangements, employment status), health behaviors (physical activity, tobacco use, social activity), functional limitations, depression, 15 self-reported conditions, including arthritis. Data were analyzed descriptive statistics logistic regression. Results Arthritis, reported by 43% sample, more prevalent women, among less educated, those lower higher age. Severity, but not differed race/ethnicity. Controlled analyses indicated significant association female gender, activity. Arthritis associated reduced odds stroke, increased hypertension, varicosities, bronchitis, renal problems, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, depression. significantly or associations did differ gender. Conclusions this Brazil similar elsewhere