The mental health of older people in rio de janeiro

The main findings are presented of a prevalence study of mental health problems (organic brain syndrome and depression) in the elderly population of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Three districts in the city were surveyed—Copacabana, Meier and Santa Cruz–chosen using a set of socioeconomic indicators to identify rich, middle income and poor areas. Validity and reliability studies of the survey instrument were carried out in Copacabana. Prevalence results for organic brain syndrome (OBS) were 5.95% in Copacabana, 9.84% in Meier and 29.75% in Santa Cruz, while results for depression were 22.62%, 19.67% and 35.12% respectively. The methodological problems of the survey which influence confidence in the results are discussed. Dependence and loss of autonomy in elderly people were strongly associated with organic brain syndrome and depression. The results are compared with those in the other Brazilian and international studies.