[Hospital utilization for acute problems of the elderly. Catalonia, 1982-1990].

Objective: Analyse the total and causal hospital utilization in Catalonia from 1982 to 1990 for the elderly.

Methods: Hospital admissions and the length of stay will be analysed using direct adjusted rates, age specific rates, percentage variation and the corresponding confidence intervals and significance tests.

Results: In population older than 65, male population have a greater hospital utilization and there is an increase in usage of hospitals with age. Sex differences are stressed among the elderly that in general population. Circulatory system diseases are the principal cause of admission in acute hospitals for the elderly of both sexes.

Conclusions: Men and old people make greater hospital utilization. Circulatory system diseases comprise the major part of admissions in acute hospitals, even though other causes are gaining importance, especially mental disorders.