Social inequalities in health among the elderly

The aim of the present study was to assess social inequalities in health status, health behavior and the use of health services based on education level. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out involving 1,518 elderly residents of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Significant demog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2011, Vol.27 Suppl 2 (Supp2), p.S198-S208
Main Authors: Barros, Marilisa Berti de Azevedo, Francisco, Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo, Lima, Margareth Guimarães, César, Chester Luiz Galvão
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Blood Pressure
Brazil
Cross-Sectional Studies
Diabetes
Educational Status
Elderly
Female
Health
Health Behavior
Health Care Services
Health Services Accessibility - statistics & numerical data
Health Services for the Aged - statistics & numerical data
Health Services Needs and Demand - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Iniquidade Social
Inquéritos de Morbidade
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalência
PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Saúde do Idoso
Social Inequality
Socioeconomic Factors
Surgery
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Summary:The aim of the present study was to assess social inequalities in health status, health behavior and the use of health services based on education level. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out involving 1,518 elderly residents of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Significant demographic and social differences were found between schooling strata. Elderly individuals with a higher degree of schooling are in greater proportion alcohol drinkers, physically active, have healthier diets and a lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, back pain, visual impairment and denture use, and better self-rated health. But, there were no differences in the use of health services in the previous two weeks, in hospitalizations or surgeries in the previous year, nor in medicine intake over the previous three days. Among elderly people with hypertension and diabetes, there were no differences in the regular use of health services and medication. The results demonstrate social inequalities in different health indicators, along with equity in access to some health service components.
ISSN:0102-311X
1678-4464
1678-4464
0102-311X
DOI:10.1590/S0102-311X2011001400008