Chronic non-communicable diseases considering sociodemographic determinants in a cohort of older adults

Abstract

Abstract Objective To analyze the differences between the proportions of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) at two time periods, in a cohort of older adults, based on sociodemographic determinants. Method This is a retrospective longitudinal study with baseline data obtained in 2008-2009 and follow-up in 2016-2017, from the FIBRA Study. The McNemar test was used to compare the frequencies of CNCDs according to sex, age, and education, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results The sample consisted of 453 older adults (mean age 72±5.2 years old; 69.4% women). There was an increase in the proportions of arterial hypertension (64.4% versus 71.1%) and diabetes mellitus (21.9% versus 27.5%) in the periods studied, and a reduction in rheumatologic disease (43.6% versus 35.8%) and depression (21.7% versus 15.7%). Hypertension increased in older women, in those aged 65-74 years old and those with low education levels. Diabetes increased in older men, in those over 65 years of age and those with low education levels. A reduction in the proportions of rheumatologic diseases and depression was observed in women, in those aged 65-74 years old and those with low education levels. Conclusion The data reflect the need to understand the sociodemographic health determinants involved in the health-disease-care process to reduce social inequities and the burden of CNCDs in the most vulnerable population segments, especially in the older adult population with multimorbidity.