Scandinavian journal of social medicine
-
This paper describes 211 of the oldest old, 90 years or older, in a broad perspective based upon well-being, living conditions and the living situation during a period of two and a half years. The subjects were interviewed, and at the first contact four out of five old persons were living in their own homes, 66% regarded themselves as healthy and three out of five depended on help for primary ADL. ⋯ Slight relations were also found between subjective health and cognitive impairments. During the follow-up period 43% of the old people had died, and all were being cared for in institutions in their final stage of life.
-
The seasonal variation of neonatal and infant deaths in Greece was analyzed for nine consecutive years (1979-1987) by cause of death, age of death and urbanization of permanent residence. Data were supplied by the National Statistical Service of Greece. Statistical analysis was done using the Edward's method. ⋯ Postneonatal deaths from infections and mainly those from pneumonia showed very significant seasonal variation with a peak in February that was more prominent in rural areas. Seasonal pattern with peak in late winter was also found for postneonatal deaths from injuries. The seasonal patterns for neonatal and postneonatal deaths from sudden infant death syndrome were suggestive of an increased occurrence during the winter months mainly in urban areas.