SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ELDERLY WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE ON DIALYSIS IN A CHARITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To identify the socio-demographic profile of elderly with chronic kidney disease on dialysis at the Hospital São Vicente de Paulo (HSVP) in João Pessoa-Paraíba-Brazil. Methods: We analyzed 103 medical records for the period from February to August 2010 registered in the Department of Nephrology HSVP. Data analysis consisted of descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test with a significance level of 5%). Results: The data showed that 57.3% were male, aged 60 to 69 years (59.2%), mean age 68.38 ± 7.76 years, predominantly unmarried (66.0%), from João Pessoa (71.8%) compared to 69.9% that were from others cities of the state, 55.3% with incomplete primary education, monthly family income of a prevailing basic salary (79.6%), all had social security benefit, 56.3% retired for length of service and 43.7% for disability. According to the modality of dialysis, 88.3% were undergoing hemodialysis. With respect to the comorbidities it was noted a high rate of hypertension (64.1%), followed by diabetes mellitus (43.7%). With regards to lifestyle habits related to health, it was observed that most elderly had no addiction (78.6%) and 39.8% of the elderly participated of therapeutic exercises. Conclusion: Data have showed elderly patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis presenting low sociodemographic levels. The implementation of preventive actions could reduce morbidity by improving the quality of life. DESCRIPTORS Aging. Renal Dialysis. Epidemiology