English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A major emerging demographic issue of 21st century is the ageing of the population as an inevitable consequence of demographic transition experienced by most countries. Change in socio-economic status and various health problems adversely affect an individual's way of life during old age. Objective: To study the health problems and health related social factors of the elderly in an urban health centre area. Methodology: The study was conducted in Urban Health Centre area of S.N.Medical College, Bagalkot .The total population of UHC was 4500 covering six Anganwadis. All the people who were 60 years and above were studied in that area, who were 244 in all. Study design and variables: A Cross-sectional study. A pretested, structured questionnaire was used to collect information by house to house interview method on Socio-demographic factors and health related factors. Results: The mean age of the study population was 67.0±14.7 (Mean±2SD).Majority (44.7%) of geriatric population belonged to the age group of 60-64 years.62.3% were females. Around one third (36.1%) of them were illiterate. Half (50%) of the elderly were housewives. 44.3% belonged to lower socio-economic status. 46.3% of the study population was having hypertension. 32% of the aged complained of locomotors problems such as joint pain & other musculoskeletal problems. 19.3% of the study population was having a habit of tobacco chewing. Main interfamily problem was related to economic status (27.5%). 29.9% of the elderly solved their problems themselves. Majority (80.7%) of them preferred to stay with their son followed by daughter (7%). 64.3% of the aged spends time by looking after their house. Conclusion: The main health problems among the elderly were hypertension and locomotors system related problems. The social factors associated with elderly were, habits such as tobacco chewing, main reason for interfamily problem was economic related. Therefore elderly people need care and support from the family members and society.