OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of alcoholism and smoking among the elderly living in Porto Alegre city and to establish an association between daily food intake and socioeconomic status according to sex, age group, income, location and family composition. METHODS: This research was conducted as Multidimensional Study of the Elderly in Porto Alegre city (EMIPOA), which was developed by the IGG/PUCRS. The interviews were conducted in the ambulatory of the Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Hospital São Lucas of PUCRS. We administered a questionnaire with socioeconomic data and health data by trained professionals. RESULTS: Of the 832 respondents, 71.2% were women and 28.8% men. The most prevalent age range was 60 to 69 years (44.8%). Prevalence in the age group above-mentioned 7.5% for alcoholics and 23.9% for smokers. Alcoholism and smoking prevailed among men, 11.7% and 20.8% respectively. Regarding education, the highest prevalence was among alcoholics and smokers who had only 1 degree, 4.7% and 16.1%, respectively. It was observed that among the elderly alcoholics or smokers, most do not have family relationship (P<0.001). In relation to food ingestion, there was higher number of smokers or alcoholics that are 1 to 2 daily meals. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies investigating the trends and consequences of smoking and alcoholism among the elderly. Health actions should be planned in order to decrease the abuse of alcohol and smoking, and prevent its harm to health.
Elderly; Alcoholism; Smoking; Food; Eatin
