A Profile of Common Morbidities among Elderly Rural Indian Population

Abstract

Understanding health problems among elderly and health-seeking behavior is prerequisite for proving comprehensive geriatric care to them. The study was undertaken to document the prevalence of common morbidities among elderly rural population A community based cross sectional study was conducted on the census population aged 60 years & above residing permanently in the rural field practice area of Katihar Medical College using predesigned and pretested questionnaire with clinical assessment of morbidity status assessed using criteria of primary care by WONCA International Classification Committee. Gastro intestinal was most common disorder which constituted 51.04 percent of total study population. Osteoarthritis was present in 49.65 percent of total study population. Cardiovascular problems were seen in 41.29 percent population. Total respiratory morbidity (ARI, Asthma, and COPD) was seen in 41 percent of total study population. Total neurological morbidity (Epilepsy, Hemiplegia & Parkinsonism) was found in only 2.5 percent of total study population. Non-specific Generalized weakness was found in 22.73 percent of population. Diabetes mellitus was recorded only in 9.51 percent of population. Majority of the study population were Independent according to the total scores obtained from instrument of Activities of Daily living (ADL), which is 91.18 percent of the total participant. Almost 9 percent elderly needs some assistance. The present study showed that Government health facility was the most frequent (54.06%) first place of contact for health care among elderly. Only 22.97 percent of population went to private physician. 7.88 percent visited AYUSH, 5.10 percent Quacks & 9.98 percent used self-medication. The present study identified a high prevalence of morbidities in elderly age. It also pointed out various socio-demographic, nutritional, and environmental modifiable risk factors which can be tackled by effective behavior change communication of the community supported models as practiced in the developed countries.