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Ageing and its challenges: Communitary Intervention Group findings and experience in 2017, Porto(PT). Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
West Porto Public Health(PH) Unit manages a multidisciplinary intervention group - Communitary Intervention Group(GIC) - that responds to critical life situations. It mainly covers mental and public health problems, often associated with ageing. We aimed to characterise the population of referred cases to GIC in 2017, know their geographical distribution and compare case ratio between parish. Data was provided by GIC and all cases from 2017 were included. We used GPS coordinates and QGIS to map the distribution of cases. Case number was compared between parish through the calculation of ratios (considering population size). 95% Confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by Byar’s method to assess differences between parish.
A total of 88 cases were referred to GIC in 2017, mostly by the Police (37,1%). Mean age was 62,3 years(16-94) and 62,9% had > =60 years. Majority (53,3%) were women. The main problem identified was unsanitary housing(23,6%) and elderly at risk(23,6%), followed by psychiatric alterations(15,7%). Considering elderly at risk, 38,1% was associated with unsanitary housing and 14,3% with psychiatric alterations. Parish “Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória”(CSSMS) had the highest number of cases (33,7%) and “Lordelo do Ouro e Massarelos” the highest case ratio (21,96; 95%CI:13,92-32,95). Visually most cases live in parish CSSMS or near social neighborhoods. Case ratios was not statistically different between parish.
The type of referred cases suggests a lack of support to elderly. Immediate attention from health services is needed since this situation leads to a misuse of healthcare services, without a sustained benefit, peaking with health deterioration. More investigation is needed, especially to clearly identify social and health determinants. This is particularly important considering the population ageing and the socioeconomic pressure it perpetuates in future generations, compromising their health.
Key messages
Health services must rethink elderly care. Promoting quality of life through aging is key to sustainability.
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Managing 2018 Measles Outbreak in a healthcare setting in Porto, Portugal. Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky212.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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