[The Bambui Health and Aging Study (BHAS): a population-based cohort study of prevalence and factors associated with the needs of caregivers for the elderly].

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the needs of caregivers for older adults living in the community. All residents (n = 1,742) of Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil (15,000 inhabitants) aged > or = 60 years were selected. Of these, 92% were interviewed and 86% were examined. The dependent variable "need for a caregiver" was defined as the inability to perform at least one of the basic activities of daily living and/or a Mini Mental score under 13. Some 23% of the elderly required caregivers. After adjustment for confounding, independent and positive associations with the need for a caregiver were found for: age, single marital status, history of alcohol abuse, hypertension, obesity, and use of > or = 2 prescription drugs. Independent and negative associations were found for: level of schooling, familiar income, living alone, total cholesterol > 240 mmHg, and having a private health plan. Those requiring caregivers presented evidence of worse socioeconomic and health status. The study provides evidence that care of the dependent elderly is a public health problem.