Perceived Neighborhood and Walking Among Older Brazilian Adults Living in Urban Areas: A National Study (ELSI-Brazil).

The study goal was to examine the association between perceived neighborhood characteristics and walking in urban older adults in Brazil. A cross-sectional study including 4,027 older adults from the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) was performed. Walking was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Neighborhood characteristics were questions about physical disorder, noise pollution, safety, violence, social cohesion, services, concerns with community mobility, and pleasantness. Multinomial logistic regression was used. Concern about taking the bus, subway, or train was inversely associated with walking for men. Violence (victim of theft, robbery, or had home broken into) and social cohesion (trust in neighbors) were positively and inversely associated with walking for women, respectively. A significant interaction term between social cohesion and number of chronic diseases was observed for women. These findings demonstrate the need for sex-specific interventions and policies to increase the walking levels among older Brazilian adults.

The burden of disease among Brazilian older adults and the challenge for health policies: results of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is the world's fifth most populous nation, and is currently experimenting a fast demographic aging process in a context of scarce resources and social inequalities. To understand the health profile of older adults in Brazil is fundamental for planning public policies. METHODS: The estimates were derived from data obtained through the collaboration between the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation of the University of Washington. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics provided the population estimates. Data on causes of death came from the Mortality Information System. To calculate morbidity, population-based studies on the prevalence of diseases in Brazil were comprehensively searched, in addition to information obtained from national databases such as the Hospital Information System, the Outpatient Information System, and the Injury Information System. We presented the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 estimates among Brazilian older adults (60+ years old) for life expectancy at birth (LE), healthy life expectancy (HALE), cause-specific mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), from 2000 to 2017. RESULTS: LE at birth significantly increased from 71.3 years (95% UI to 70.9-71.8) to 75.2 years (95% UI 74.7-75.7). There was a trend of increasing HALE, from 62.2 years (95% UI 59.54-64.5) to 65.5 years (95% UI 62.6-68.0). The proportion of DALYs among older adults increased from 7.3 to 10.3%. Chronic noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death among middle aged and older adults, while Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause only among older adults. Mood disorders, musculoskeletal pain, and hearing or vision losses are among the leading causes of disability. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in LE and the decrease of the DALYs rates are probably results of the improvement of social conditions and health policies. However, the smaller increase of HALE than LE means that despite living more, people spend a substantial time of their old age with disability and illness. Preventable or potentially controllable diseases are responsible for most of the burden of disease among Brazilian older adults. Health investments are necessary to obtain longevity with quality of life in Brazil.

A nationwide study on prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia in older adults: ELSI-Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia in a nationally representative sample of Brazilians aged 50 years and older. A cross-sectional study was performed with baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). Dynapenia was defined as low muscle strength (< 27kg for men and < 16kg for women). Explanatory variables were sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, health behaviors and physical performance. Analyses were based on multivariate logistic regression and population attributable fractions. Among the 8,396 participants, the prevalence of dynapenia was 17.2% (16.6% among men and 17.7% among women); for those aged 65 years and older, the prevalence was 28.2% (29.1% and 27.5% among men and women, respectively). Dynapenia was positively associated with age, low gait speed, limitations in performing two or more basic daily activities, falls and self-reported chronic diseases; and negatively associated with education level, physical activity and body mass index (overweight/obese, OR = 0.26). Prevalence of dynapenia is high in Brazilian older adults. Educational skills and physical activity improvement present greater potential to reduce dynapenia in this population.

Influenza vaccine uptake among older adults in Brazil: Socioeconomic equality and the role of preventive policies and public services.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since 1999, influenza vaccine is provided free-of-charge to adults aged 60 years or more in Brazil. Although vaccination coverage is high, previous studies have shown that socioeconomic and lifestyle factors play an essential role in predicting vaccine uptake. This study aimed to investigate whether previous knowledge of factors that constrain influenza vaccine uptake among older adults contributed to increasing the access to vaccination in 2015-16. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed data from the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging. This national representative sample encompassed individuals aged 60 and older (n=5221). Vaccination status was the outcome variable; covariates included socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, health status, and access to healthcare. Logistic regression fitted the association between vaccine uptake and covariates. RESULTS: The coverage of influenza vaccination was 73.0% (95% confidence interval: 70.6-75.2); ranking lower than the goal of 80% set up by the national health authority. The most frequent reasons to justify the option of skipping vaccination were cultural beliefs about the lack of efficacy and possible side effects of the vaccine. The coverage of vaccination did not differ by socioeconomic characteristics. Older individuals, never smokers, having two or more chronic diseases, and being registered in the Family Health Program were positively associated with influenza vaccine uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Absent socioeconomic inequalities point out changes in the barriers to vaccination. These findings provide insights into tailoring public health strategies, targeting professional recommendations and public perceptions of the vaccine.

A nationwide study on prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia in older adults: ELSI-Brazil / Estudo nacional sobre prevalência da dinapenia e fatores associados em idosos: ELSI-Brasil / Estudio nacional sobre prevalencia de la dinapenia y factores asociados en ancianos: ELSI-Brasil

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia in a nationally representative sample of Brazilians aged 50 years and older. A cross-sectional study was performed with baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). Dynapenia was defined as low muscle strength (< 27kg for men and < 16kg for women). Explanatory variables were sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, health behaviors and physical performance. Analyses were based on multivariate logistic regression and population attributable fractions. Among the 8,396 participants, the prevalence of dynapenia was 17.2% (16.6% among men and 17.7% among women); for those aged 65 years and older, the prevalence was 28.2% (29.1% and 27.5% among men and women, respectively). Dynapenia was positively associated with age, low gait speed, limitations in performing two or more basic daily activities, falls and self-reported chronic diseases; and negatively associated with education level, physical activity and body mass index (overweight/obese, OR = 0.26). Prevalence of dynapenia is high in Brazilian older adults. Educational skills and physical activity improvement present greater potential to reduce dynapenia in this population.

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência da dinapenia e fatores associados em uma amostra nacional representativa de indivíduos com 50 anos ou mais no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo transversal. O presente estudo usou dados da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil). A variável dependente era dinapenia, definida como baixa força muscular (< 27kg para homens e < 16kg para mulheres). Foram incluídas como covariáveis no modelo logístico, as características sociodemográficas estado de saúde, comportamentos relacionados à saúde e desempenho físico. Foram calculadas frações atribuíveis populacionais para os fatores que demonstrassem associação significativa com o desfecho. Foram estudados 8.386 participantes com 50 anos ou mais (53,3% do sexo feminino). A prevalência da dinapenia foi 17,2%, sendo 16,6% nos homens e 17,7% nas mulheres. Entre os indivíduos com 65 anos ou mais, a prevalência foi 28,2% (29,1% nos homens e 27,5% nas mulheres). A presença da dinapenia mostrou associação positiva com idade, velocidade de marcha reduzida, limitação autorrelatada em duas ou mais atividades básicas da vida diária, gênero, quedas, hospitalizações e doenças crônicas. A dinapenia mostrou associação negativa com escolaridade, atividade física e índice de massa corporal (sobrepeso/obesidade, OR = 0,26). Aproximadamente 9% da dinapenia eram atribuíveis a riscos modificáveis. O estudo indica que a dinapenia é prevalente em brasileiros com 50 anos ou mais, e que medidas para melhorar a escolaridade e atividade física têm o maior potencial de reduzir a dinapenia nessa população.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de la dinapenia y factores asociados en una muestra nacional representativa de individuos con 50 años o más en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio transversal. El presente estudio usó datos de referencia del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud de Ancianos Brasileños (ELSI-Brasil por sus siglas en portugués). La variable dependiente era dinapenia, definida como baja fuerza muscular (< 27kg para hombres y < 16kg para mujeres). Se incluyeron como covariables en el modelo logístico las características sociodemográficas: estado de salud, comportamientos relacionados con la salud y desempeño físico. Se calcularon fracciones atribuibles poblacionales para los factores que demostrasen asociación significativa con el resultado. Se estudiaron a 8.386 participantes con 50 años o más (53,3% del sexo femenino). La prevalencia de la dinapenia fue de un 17,2%, siendo un 16,6% en hombres y un 17,7% en mujeres. Entre los individuos con 65 años o más, la prevalencia fue de 28,2% (29,1% en los hombres y 27,5% en mujeres). La presencia de la dinapenia mostró asociación positiva con edad, velocidad de marcha reducida, limitación autoinformada en dos o más actividades básicas de la vida diaria, género, caídas, hospitalizaciones y enfermedades crónicas. La dinapenia mostró una asociación negativa con: escolaridad, actividad física e índice de masa corporal (sobrepeso/obesidad, OR = 0,26). Aproximadamente un 9% de la dinapenia era atribuible a riesgos modificables. El estudio indica que la dinapenia es prevalente en brasileños con 50 años o más, y las medidas para mejorar la escolaridad y actividad física poseen un mayor potencial para reducir la dinapenia en esa población.

Prevalence and clinical classification of tremor in elderly--a community-based survey in Brazil.

Prevalence data on different types of tremor among the elderly population are very scarce. The objective of this study was to study the prevalence of tremor in a community-dwelling elderly population in the town of Bambuí, Brazil. The authors studied 1186 inhabitants aged≥64 years. This was a 2-phase study in which all participants who screened positive in a questionnaire for tremor and parkinsonism or who used drugs capable of causing/suppressing tremor were examined. In this population, the prevalence rate was 17.4% for tremor, 7.4% for essential tremor, 5.6% for parkinsonian tremor, 2.8% for enhanced physiological tremor, and 1.6% for other causes. There were no gender differences in prevalence rates for all types. Patients who had Parkinson's disease with tremor were older than those who had essential tremor, whereas patients who had enhanced physiological tremor were significantly younger. The age-specific prevalence of tremor increased with advancing age for both men and women. The prevalence of tremor in the studied population was high and increased with advancing age. Essential tremor, parkinsonian tremor, and enhanced physiological tremor were the most commonly identified causes. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.

Estado nutricional: antropometria, consumo alimentar e dosagens bioquímicas de adultos e idosos - projeto Bambuí um estudo de base populacional / Nutritional status, anthropometry, food intake and biochemical assays in the Bambuí project: a population-based study / Estado nutricional: antropometría, consumo alimentario y dosificaciones bioquímicas -proyecto Bambuí un estudio de base de la población

OBJETIVO: Verificar a adequação do estado nutricional de acordo com o sexo e idade. MÉTODO: inquérito nutricional populacional em amostra aleatória de 409 indivíduos (>18 anos) utilizando dados antropométricos, bioquímicos e consumo de nutrientes obtidos pelo Questionário Semiquantitativo de Freqüência Alimentar calibrado. A análise constou de teste de comparações das razões de adequação do nutriente (RAN) de acordo com IMC, idade e sexo, testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, t-Student, Kruskal-Wallis, qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Alterações de IMC foram encontradas em 52% dos participantes, sendo estatisticamente maiores as prevalências de obesidade entre mulheres (18,3%) e idosos (23,2%). De acordo com índice RAN, 100% dos indivíduos relataram consumo insuficiente de fibras, zinco, vitaminas A, C e E, cálcio e carboidratos, independentemente do diagnóstico antropométrico. Para os demais nutrientes, observouse: a) relato deficiência de ferro em mulheres (90%); b) insuficiência de vitamina B6 em eutróficas (59,6%), obesas (56,1%) e idosos com sobrepeso (76,9%); c) excesso de lipídeos (46,2%) e ácidos graxos saturados (46,2%) em idosos obesos; d) relação inadequada de ácidos graxos em idosos com sobrepeso (61,5%). Quanto às dosagens bioquímicas, 13,7% possuíam colesterol elevado, 20,3% HDL-colesterol baixo, 18,8% colesterol alto e muito alto e, 23,0% tolerância diminuída e 3,2% diabetes mellitus. DISCUSSÃO: Foram altas as prevalências de distúrbios nutricionais, avaliados pela antropometria, consumo dietético e dosagens bioquímicas. Mulheres e idosos apresentaram altas prevalências de excesso de peso, com relevante inadequação do consumo alimentar e dosagens lipídicas e glicêmicas, sugerindo a necessidade de ações de saúde diferenciadas..

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the adequacy of nutritional status according to sex and age. METHODS: This is a population-based nutritional survey conducted on a random sample of 409 individuals (>18 years). A calibrated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain anthropometric, biochemical and nutrient intake data. Analysis comprised comparison tests using the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) in relation to BMI, age and sex. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, Student t, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-squared, Fisher exact and Spearman correlation tests were also used. RESULTS: Changes in BMI were found in 52% of the participants. Prevalence of obesity was statistically greater among women (18.3%) and elderly people (23.2%). According to the NAR, almost 100% of the participants reported insufficient fiber, zinc, vitamin A, C and E, calcium and carbohydrate intake, regardless of anthropometric diagnosis. Regarding other nutrients, we observed that: a) iron was deficient in 90% of the women; b) vitamin B6 was deficient in 59.6% of the eutrophic individuals; 56.1% of the participants were obese and 76.9% of the elderly individuals were overweight; c) lipids and saturated fatty acids were excessive (46.2%) in elderly obese individuals; d) fatty acids intake was inadequate in elderly over weight individuals (61.5%). Regarding biochemical assays, 13.7% had high cholesterol, 20.3% had low HDL-cholesterol, 18.8% high and very high cholesterol, 23% had diminished tolerance to glucose and 3.2% had diabetes mellitus. DISCUSSION: Prevalence of nutritional disorders assessed through anthropometry, dietary intake and biochemical assays was high. Women and elderly people presented high prevalence of excessive weight with notable inadequacy of food intake as well as lipid and glycemia assays. Such findings suggest the need of differentiated healthcare actions.

OBJETIVO: Verificar la adecuación del estado nutricional conforme sexo y edad. MÉTODOS: Encuesta nutricional de la población en muestreo aleatorio de 409 individuos (>18 años) utilizando datos antropométricos, bioquímicos y consumo de nutrientes obtenidos por Cuestionario Semicuantitativo de Frecuencia Alimentaria calibrado. El análisis constó de pruebas de comparaciones de razones de adecuación del nutriente (RAN) de acuerdo con IMC, edad y sexo, pruebas de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, t-Student, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-cuadrado, exacto de Fisher y correlación de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Fueron encontradas alteraciones de IMC en 52% de los participantes, siendo estadísticamente mayores las prevalencias de obesidad entre mujeres (18,3%) y ancianos (23,2%). De acuerdo con índice RAN, cerca de 100% de los individuos informaron consumo insuficiente de fibras, cinc, vitaminas A, C y E, calcio y carbohidratos, independientemente del diagnóstico antropométrico. Respecto a otros nutrientes se observó: a) deficiencia de hierro en mujeres (90%); b) insuficiencia de vitamina B6 en eutróficas (59,6%), obesas (56,1%) y ancianos con sobrepeso (76,9%); c) exceso de lípidos (46,2%) y ácidos grasos saturados (46,2%) en ancianos obesos; d) relación inadecuada de ácidos grasos en ancianos con sobrepeso (61,5%). Respecto a dosificaciones bioquímicas, 13,7% tenían colesterol elevado, 20,3% HDL-colesterol bajo, 18,8% colesterol alto y muy alto, 23,0% tolerancia disminuida y 3,2% diabetes mellitus. DISCUSIÓN: Resultaron altas las prevalencias de disturbios nutricionales, evaluados por antropometría, consumo dietético y dosificaciones bioquímicas. Mujeres y ancianos presentaron altas prevalencias de exceso de peso, con relevante inadecuación de consumo alimentario y dosificaciones lipídicas y glucémicas, sugiriendo necesidad de acciones de salud diferenciadas.

Projeto Bambuí: prevalência de sintomas articulares crônicos em idosos / Health and aging study: prevalence of chronic joint symptoms among the elderly in Bambui

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência e determinar os fatores associados a reumatismo/sintomas articulares crônicos na população de idosos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi conduzido um estudo transversal de base populacional entre 1606 idosos ( > ou = 60 anos ). Reumatismo foi assim definido: a) relato de diagnóstico médico de reumatismo e b) relato de sintomas crônicos nas mãos e joelhos (SCMJ). Utilizou-se a regressão logística múltipla para investigar associação independente entre reumatismo/sintomas crônicos e fatores selecionados. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de SCMJ foi de 44,2 por cento e de reumatismo diagnosticado por médico foi de 25,3 por cento (15,3 por cento nos homens e 31,9 por cento nas mulheres). SCMJ esteve negativamente associado ao sexo (masculino) e à escolaridade ( > ou = 8 anos) e positivamente associado a índice de massa corporal (25-29, 30-34, > ou = 35 kg/m²), relato de infarto do miocárdio, sintomas de acidente vascular cerebral e relato de doença de Chagas. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados são coerentes com a literatura internacional no que se refere à maior prevalência de reumatismo em mulheres obesas e de escolaridade mais baixa. A associação de SCMJ com algumas condições clínicas pode estar relacionada ao maior uso de serviços de saúde motivado pelas mesmas e necessita maiores investigações em estudos futuros. A identificação destas características dos idosos residentes na comunidade com maior prevalência de reumatismo pode fornecer subsídios para organização de programas de assistência à saúde para esta faixa etária da população.

[Health and aging study: prevalence of chronic joint symptoms among the elderly in Bambuí]. / Projeto Bambuí: prevalência de sintomas articulares crônicos em idosos.

BACKGROUND: Arthritis is one of the more prevalent chronic conditions and a leading cause of disability in the elderly. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and to identify the factors associated with arthritis in the elderly population of Bambuí, Brazil. METHODS: A population based cross-sectional study was carried out among 1606 senior citizens ( > or = 60 years of age). Arthritis was defined by: a) report of medical diagnosis of arthritis and b) report of chronic hand and knee symptoms (CHKS). Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the independent association between arthritis and selected factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of medical diagnosis of arthritis was of 25.3% (15.3% in men and 31.9% in women). Prevalence of CHKS was of 44.2%. CHKS was negatively associated with gender (masculine) and years of education ( > or = 8) and positively associated with Body Mass Index (25-29, 30-34, > or = 35 kg/m2), report of myocardial infarct, stroke symptoms and Chaga's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with other studies concerning higher prevalence of arthritis among obese and less educated women. Association of CHKS with the report of some chronic conditions may be related to greater utilization of health services motivated by these conditions. This finding requires further investigation in future studies. Identification of these characteristics of the senior citizens living in the community, with a higher prevalence of arthritis may subsidize the organization of healthcare programs for this age group.

A saúde dos adultos na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte: um estudo epidemiológico de base populacional: condições de saúde: estilos de vida: uso de serviços preventivos de saúde: uso de serviços de saúde: função física do idoso

O envelhecimento populacional constitui um dos maiores desafios para a Saúde Pública contemporânea, especialmente em países em desenvolvimento, onde este fenômeno vem ocorrendo de forma acelerada e em ambiente de probreza e grande desigualdade social

A saúde dos adultos na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte: um estudo epidemiológico de base populacional: condições de saúde: estilos de vida: uso de serviços preventivos de saúde: uso de serviços de saúde: função física do idoso / The health of adults in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte: a population-based epidemiological study: health status, lifestyle, use of preventive health services: use of health services: physical function of elderly

O envelhecimento populacional constitui um dos maiores desafios para a Saúde Pública contemporânea, especialmente em países em desenvolvimento, onde este fenômeno vem ocorrendo de forma acelerada e em ambiente de pobreza e grande desigualdade social.

Ingestäo alimentar em estudos epidemiológicos / Food intake in epidemiological studies

A epidemiologia da nutriçäo dispöe de uma gama de metodologias para avaliar o estado nutricional. Entretanto, os métodos dietéticos säo os únicos capazes de detectar a deficiência nutricional em seu estágio inicial, sendo por isso bastante utilizados em estudos epidemiológicos de associaçäo entre exposiçöes e eventos. Atualmente, o método dietético mais indicado para estudos epidemiológicos, principalmente aqueles envolvendo doenças crônico-degenerativas, tem sido o questionário semiquantitativo de freqüência alimentar (QSFA). Este instrumento, näo diferente de outros, está sujeito à variabilidade e a erros de medida. Entretanto, estes podem ser identificados e tratados utilizando-se métodos como comparaçäo de médias dietéticas, estudos de confiabilidade, de validaçäo relativa e de calibraçäo. Em estudo realizado em Bambuí-MG, o consumo de nutrientes foi avaliado por três diferentes métodos: QSFA e recordatórios 24 horas (R24) com e sem réplicas de alimentos, tendo suas médias comparadas e calibradas. As médias encontradas pelo QSFA foram consistentemente maiores do que as dos R24. No entanto, quando essas foram ajustadas pelo consumo calórico total näo apresentaram diferenças importantes, exceto para fibras; zinco; vitaminas C; B6 e E; e colesterol. E as médias calibradas foram, em geral, menores do que as näo calibradas, sendo estatisticamente significantes para ingestäo de lipídeos; fibras; zinco; vitaminas C, E e A; ácidos graxos saturados, monoinsaturados e poliinsaturados; e colesterol

Hypertension and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in a community in Southeast Brazil - The Bambuí Health and Ageing Study

OBJECTIVE - A population-based prospective study was analysed to: a) determine the prevalence of hypertension; b) investigate the clustering of other cardiovascular risk factors and c) verify whether older differed from younger adults in the pattern of clustering. METHODS - The data comprised a representative sample of the population of Bambuí, Brazil. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the independent association between hypertension and selected factors. RESULTS - A total of 820 younger adults (82.5 percent) and 1494 older adults (85.9 percent) participated in this study. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 24.8 percent (SE=1.4 percent), being higher in women (26.9+/-1.5 percent) than in men (22.0+/- 1.7 percent) (p=0.033). Hypertension was positively and significantly associated with physical inactivity, overweight, hypercholesterolemia hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The coexistence of hypertension with 4 or more of these risk factors occurred 6 times more than expected by chance, after adjusting for age and sex (OR=6.3; 95 percentCI: 3.4-11.9). The pattern of risk factor clustering in hypertensive individuals differed with age. CONCLUSION - Our results reinforce the need to increase detection and treatment of hypertension and to approach patients' global risk profiles

Projeto Bambuí. Prevalência e fatores associados à claudicaçäo intermitente na populaçäo idosa residente na comunidade / The Bambuí Health and Aging Study (BHAS). Prevalence of intermittent claudication in the aged population of the community of Bambuí and its associated factors

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of intermittent claudication in the aged population of Bambuí, Brazil, and to identify the factors associated with this disease. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study of the aged population ( > or = 60 years of age) of Bambuí. Participants were interviewed and examined, after written consent. Intermittent claudication was defined based on a standardized questionnaire. Analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 1,742 elderly living in Bambuí, 1,485 (85.2 percent) were enrolled in the study. Thirty-seven individuals (2.5 percent) with intermittent claudication were identified: 28 (1.9 percent) males and 9 (0.6 percent) females. Their age brackets were: 16 (1.08 percent) individuals between 60 and 69 years of age, 17 (1.15 percent) between 70 and 79 years, and 4 (0.27 percent) > or = 80 years. A significant association between intermittent claudication and the following characteristics was found: male sex (OR=5.1; CI 2.4-11.0), smokers (OR=3.1; CI 1.2-8.5), ex-smokers (OR=3.4; CI 1.3-8.7), and more than 2 hospital admissions in the last 12 months (OR=2.8; CI 1.1-7.2). CONCLUSION: Disease prevalence was similar to that of other countries. The association between intermittent claudication and smoking strengthens the significance of tobacco in peripheral artery disease pathogenesis. The association of intermittent claudication and a higher number of hospital admissions suggests greater morbidity in the elderly affected