Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Elderly People in Domestic or Institutional Care Situations

Abstract

The study analyzed cardiovascular risk factors in elderly individuals receiving care in institutions and homes. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and exploratory survey study carried out with elderly individuals receiving care in Basic Health Units (UBS) in Aracaju and Long-Term Care Facilities (LP) in Aracaju, Itabaiana, and Estância. The study included two sample groups: UBS, with 200 participants (= 68.45.8 years), and LP, with 29 participants (= 75.9). Data collection used structured questionnaires on health and lifestyle. Statistical analysis employed normality tests, comparison between groups, and evaluation of associations between variables, and a significance level of p<0.05 was adopted. Institutionalized elderly individuals had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, especially diabetes (∆% = 47.6%, p = 0.015) and stroke (∆% = 3.4%, p = 0.002), in addition to lower physical activity (∆% = - 64.3%, p = 0.027X) and a higher incidence of depression (3.4%) and social isolation. A significant correlation was found in the UBS group between physical activity and self-rated health (p = 0.027). The results indicate that the type of care influences cardiovascular risk factors, making institutionalized elderly individuals more vulnerable to chronic diseases and a sedentary lifestyle. Promoting healthy habits and socialization are essential to reduce these risks and improve quality of life, especially in institutional care.