RESUMO
PURPOSE: Since 1978 in China, rapid economic development has taken place and the nation's quality of life has improved through the introduction of reform-opening policies. Such change has caused new health problems, partially due to aging of the population, with increase in lifestyle-related diseases and environmental pollution, and also expansion of regional variation. In this study, diseases undergoing treatment (relevance) and lifestyles of the elderly living with siblings who are professional nurses were evaluated. METHOD: We conducted a study in 23 provinces to discern characteristics and factors related to lifestyle and situations of patients undergoing treatment. We analyzed 1,548 senior citizens (response rate: 82.1%) over 65 years old living with a sibling who is a professional nurse. The professional nurse provided the replying to the questions. RESULTS: 1. A total of 457 out of 597 males (76.5%) and 725 out of 951 females (76.2%) had diseases under treatment. Males over 75 years old suffered from arteriosclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, and heart disease. Females over 75 years old suffered from arteriosclerosis, respiratory diseases, and eye diseases. 2. In both males and females over 75 years old (older elderly) there were no significant differences in the Health Practice Index (HPI) from persons under 75 (younger elderly). Older elderly were more likely to snack often. Among males and females, 5 of 8 health-practices, such as a napping and physical exercise, differed. Females were less likely to smoke and drink alcohol. 3. In both males and females, non-diseased participants had a higher HPI than that of diseased participants. This tendency was the same in both younger and older elderly. 4. Cluster analyses of patterns of diseases revealed that the 23 provinces could be classified into 4 areas. The HPI in areas with a low proportion of diseased subjects was significantly higher than that in areas with a high proportion of diseased. One of the areas' HPI appeared to be noticeably lower than that of the other 3 and the number of participants with low physical exercise was higher in this case. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that individuals having a high HPI appear less likely to develop lifestyle-related diseases. In 4 areas divided by the cluster analysis of patterns of diseases, there were significant differences in HPI, smoking and physical exercise.
