Abstract
Objective:
To investigate polypathology among elderly persons treated at a referral center in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Methodology:
An analytical documentary study with a cross-sectional quantitative approach was performed. The records of referral and care of 668 elderly persons who were treated at the referral center were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression.
Results:
278 medical records were analyzed. Polypathology was the main reason for seeking care in 114 (41.0%) cases. There was a statistically significant association between the characteristics of being male and less educated and polypathology. In multivariate analysis, polypathology was higher among men and lower among elderly persons with a high school or higher education.
Conclusion:
The findings identify a situation with a predominance of polypathology among the elderly. This is at a worrying level among elderly men and less educated older persons, and should be addressed carefully by health professionals, in the search for more specific and appropriate care.
Key words:
Elderly; Health of the Elderly; Aging; Health Services for the Aged
