Analysis of standards of living and health in the urban population of Botucatu, S. Paulo State (Brazil): IV - Referred morbidity in household interviews, 1983-1984

Abstract

The objective of the study was to analyse the referred morbidity of the urban population resident in the city of Botucatu, S. Paulo State, Brazil for the period 1983-1984 was analysed. Data was obtained from a sample population of 7,075 persons (12 per cent of the population) by means of household interviews using two pre-codified questionnaires applied by trained lay interviews under supervision. The recall period of the events was fixed at three weeks. The variables studied were: sex, age, schooling, "per capita" income, and referred morbidity (complaints, symptoms, common accidents, and diagnoses). The results showed that 56 percent reported episodes of illness to a total of 6,649. Women of 50 or more years old presented the highest frequency of complaints. There was no variation of occurrence of episodes in terms of "per capita" income. The prevalence of illness episodes was 939 per thousand persons. There was a predominance of complaints relating to the respiratory system (20 per cent of complaints), mainly acute respiratory infections; on a second level was signs, symptoms and ill-defined conditions (19 per cent), followed by diseases of the musculoskeletal system, of the nervous system and of the circulatory system (about 9%) and, finally, diseases of the digestive system and lesions and poisoning (8%). Specific rates of prevalence according to groups of diseases (ICD) and to the variables of study were estimated. The difficulties of comparing these results with those given by other works, because of the lack of homogeneity in the criteria adopted for obtaining information, are commented on. It is concluded that there is a need for a standardized procedure in any study of referred morbidity because of its epidemiological importance and its use in health planning.