Abstract

VERAS, Renato P.; COUTINHO, Evandro  and  NEY JR., George. The elderly population of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): pilot-study as to the trustworthiness and validity of the mental health segment of the BOAS questionnaire. Rev. Saúde Pública [online]. 1990, vol.24, n.2, pp. 156-163. ISSN 0034-8910.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89101990000200012.

A first step in the pilot-study undertaken as part of a research project on psychiatric morbidity - depression and organic brain syndrome - in the elderly population of Rio de Janeiro is described. The main objective is to "fine-tune" the instrument used (check list of DSM-III) and testing validity of the BOAS questionnaire (Brazilian version of Short-Care). The methodological aspects, and conceptual definitions are focused as well some procedures for the next stage of the project are suggested.

Keywords : Aged; Mental health; Epidemiologic methods; Questionnaires; Validity.