Suplementary Material. Comparison of LTC needs in 6 Latin American countries

Resumen

OBJECTIVES: To provide comparable estimates of LTCS needs among the older populations of six Latin American countries. METHODS: Observational transversal, cross-national study, using microdata drawn from national surveys conducted in Argentina (n = 3291), Brazil (n = 3903), Chile (n = 31667), Colombia (n = 17134), Mexico (n = 8194), and Uruguay (n = 4042). Comparable indicators of the difficulties and need for help in the performance of daily and instrumental activities of daily living were calculated. RESULTS: Mexico (44.8%) and Brazil (39.0%) had the largest percentages of older adults with difficulties in the performance of daily activities, while Uruguay had the lowest (21.4%). in Colombia, almost one in three older adults needs help in doing these activities (31.9%). Brazil is the second highest (29.1%). DISCUSSION: The findings are warning about the high potential demand for long-term care services in those countries. The information could be useful for research on the demand, and estudios de viabilidad técnica y económica of long-term care policies.