PREVALENCE OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN THE ELDERLY IN RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in elderly people treated and registered in primary health care in Rio Grande do Sul. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive study, based on secondary data, using the Primary Care Information System/DATASUS. Data collection took place in September and October 2021, on the digital platform of the Primary Care Information System. Reports were extracted and visualized through spreadsheets, containing information regarding sociodemographic characteristics and service use. The data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel®, using descriptive statistics, and the categorical variables were expressed in absolute and relative frequency. Results: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in elderly individuals registered in the system ranged from 0.04% in 2014 to 0.14% in 2020, with a higher prevalence among men and in the age group between 70 and 79 years old (2014) and between 80 and 110 (2015-2020). Regardless of gender and age, a linear increase in the registration of older adults (without and with chronic kidney disease) in the Primary Care Information System was identified between 2014 and 2020. Conclusion: It is necessary to promote health education actions for the elderly population, aimed at recognizing warning signs and symptoms of the disease, and to expand these actions within primary health care, equipping it primarily through therapeutic groups. Furthermore, continuing education activities aimed at healthcare professionals are recommended, so that they are able to recognize the needs of these elderly individuals and develop actions for prevention, promotion, and minimization of complications.