Multidimensional profile of elderly participants of an influenza vaccination campaign

Objective : To describe the multidimensional profile of the living conditions of a group of elderly participants of an influenza vaccination campaign. Method : A cross-sectional study was performed, with data collection carried out between April and May 2010. A convenience sample of 225 elderly persons from 13 municipal health centers in Uruguaiana in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and vaccinated in the national influenza vaccination campaign was used. Subjects were interviewed using a structured script and statistical analysis of the data was performed. Results : Most elderly persons were female (62.2%), aged between 60 and 70 years (64.8%), married (40.4%), had a monthly income below the level of poverty (55.5%), used the Unified Health System (79.1%) and reported having good health (63.5%). Watching TV was one of the most common leisure activities. All the elderly women participants and 94.1% of the total sample were religious, with the catholic and evangelical faiths reported most frequently. Participants in the study described proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle as being most likely to result in longevity. Family and health were among the most important factors in the life of the elderly individuals. Alcoholism, drugs, crime, violence, and political corruption were cited as the main problems for Brazil. All seniors were independent in basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusion : Understanding the living conditions of the elderly assists healthcare professionals and supports the implementation and development of appropriate public policies for this population group.