Abstract

OLIVERA GOMEZ, Luis Enrique; GORT CUBA, Omar; LEMUS FAJARDO, Nora  and  SERRANO MARTINEZ, Reinier. Vulnerability of the aged living alone: Pinar del Rio municipality, 2006. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2009, vol.13, n.4, pp.96-105. ISSN 1561-3194.

A descriptive, retrospective study aimed at assessing the vulnerability of the aged living alone in the fourth Health Areas of Pinar del Rio municipality during 2006 was conducted. The socioeconomic conditions, morbidity, hospital admissions in the last 12 months and necessity of medical and social assistance of this group of people were analyzed. To carry out this study the aged were divided into two groups, those being attended by the family and those neglected or defenseless. A higher prevalence of the aged living alone was found: female, ages 60-75 mainly in urban sites. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer showed a major trend. More than 30% of the aged, presented socioeconomic needs. The final results of the study suggested a specific model for each site with the purpose of improving the care of the aged living alone.

Keywords : Aged; medical care; comprehensive health care.

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