SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC MATERNAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROFILE OF CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED IN A HOSPITAL IN SOUTH OF BRAZIL

Aim: to now the sociodemographic maternal characteristics and epidemiological profile of pediatric patients hospitalized in a university hospital. Method: cross-sectional study conducted from January 2008 to December 2010. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire to family members, including maternal socioeconomic information and children characteristics. The variables were analyzed in Stata C11 program. Results: was observed a predominance of young mothers, smokers, with more than four years of education, family income between one and two minimum wages and develop activities in the home. Most children were male, younger than one month of age, diagnosed with respiratory illnesses and hospital stay less than one week. Conclusion: was noted an improvement in socioeconomic conditions and educational level among mothers and an increase in smoking mothers. Among children there was a predominance of males, and infants with breathing problems.