Trends in mortality due to respiratory diseases in elderly, Brazil, 1980 to 1998

Introduction The increase in life expectancy and the decline in mortality rates in Brazil have an impact on social programs to the elderly, especially related to health care. The objective of the study isto analyze the mortality trends,for respiratory diseases in elderly. Methods An ecological time series was carried out and mortality data was obtained from the Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health (SIM/MS-DATA-SUS). it was analyzed the time trends of standardized mortality rates according to age groups (60 to 69, 70 to 79 and 80 years old and more) and gender, using linear regression models. The proportional mortality for this disease group compared to all causes death was also studied. Results There were increasing trends for, mortality, rates in both sexes, expecially an long males. The proportion of deaths due to respiratory diseases was higher among older ages. Conclusion Respiratory, diseases are one of the main causes of hospilalization and death in the elderly population. Prevention and care for elderly, as well as further etiology studies should be a priority in Brazil.